"If you'll promise to wake me as soon as you've done. It's so nice to have you here. I wish Hannah and Edward knew what a friend I have found. Do you know," she added in a reverent tone, "I think God sent you here." "I am sure he did, my sweet sister." Marion's eyes grew dim as she looked into the wishful face; but not being a sentimental girl she winked the tears out of sight, and added gayly: "Pleasant dreams to you of home and Edward." CHAPTER IX. THE SURPRISE. DOWN stairs there were brisk steps and suppressed, though earnest, voices. Marion whose whole heart was bent on being of service to the young wife, had two objects in view in every step she took. First the room must be cleaned, the carpets cleansed from the spots of grease which every where met her eye; and what was quite as important, Bridget must be taught the best method of doing the work. She was delighted to see that the girl caught her ideas at once; and tried to imitate whenever it was in her power. In the meantime Marion listened to a revelation of Paul's unkindness which shocked her. "Such cruelty shall be stopped," was her energetic reflection; "but how?" By half past eleven the lower part of the house was in fine order, though it must be confessed there was a strong odor of benzine with which the carpets had been cleansed. Marion ran softly up to the chamber and found Gertrude still sleeping; and concluding the rest was doing her more good than any thing else, went back to consult with the servant about dinner. Mr. Dudley, she learned to her astonishment, usually took that meal away from home; but sometimes came in upon his wife all of a sudden; and then talked "awful" because there was nothing fit to eat. "I believe," the young lady said, "that gentlemen are always cross when they are not well fed; and we must see that he has no excuse of that kind to-day; for I want to get his leave for you to stay and comfort your poor mistress." An exploring expedition into the larder proved there was abundance in the house for a nice little family dinner. Enough dainties remained from the feast to furnish dessert for weeks. There was half a boiled ham from which sandwiches had been made by the caterer; a slice of steak uncooked, potatoes, rice and plenty of nice little rolls. These last she had told Bridget to wrap in a towel to keep them moist; then when needed for breakfast to wet and crisp them in the oven. Having begged an apron from the girl, she began to pare a ring around the potatoes, throwing them into the pot with a little salt; calling Bridget to observe every motion, with a view to another time.