It was surely a never-to-be-forgotten day in Janet's life. Tom told her thrilling stories of the West and his own ranch, and in return she confided all her secrets. He was interested, especially in Peter, for he had heard of his father. He blessed Mrs. Todd secretly for her interest in Janet, and his wish of the night before to meet her took on a new significance. At the end of the day the "thirteen years" had very nearly been bridged, and Tom's admiration for his little sister was only equalled by her love for him. "Do you know, Janet," he said half seriously, as they climbed the steps from the shore, "I'm not nearly as sorry as I was that I have neglected you for so long. Left to yourself you have certainly made a very acceptable little sister, and think how badly I might have spoiled you." "Oh, do stop blaming yourself," Janet cried; "what is the use of thinking about anything that is farther back than last night or perhaps two weeks ago?" she corrected herself, thinking of Peter and Mrs. Todd. XIV A LONG DAY Some one was tapping the knocker on the porch below, and Janet stopped in her work to listen. It was an unfamiliar sound, for most callers came to the house by way of the garden. She tiptoed to the window and looked down. Alice and Mildred Blake stood below her. She could see the tops of their brown felt hats. A minute later she heard Martha let them in, and then call her from the foot of the stairs. She looked about her in dismay. She was getting the front room ready for Phyllis and Aunt Mog, and she did not want to be disturbed. "Miss Janet," Martha called again, and this time Janet answered. "Just a minute, Martha; I'll be right down." She flew to her room and brushed her tossled hair and took off the huge apron of Martha's that she was wearing. Alice and Mildred came forward to meet her together. "Oh, Janet!" they exclaimed in chorus, "we have just heard that your sister is coming. Isn't it exciting! Miss Clark told mother, and she sent us over to ask you if you wouldn't bring her and your aunt--mother used to know her when they were girls--to tea just as soon as they come." "Why, that's awfully nice of you,"--Janet was a little taken back. "I'd be glad to." "When are they coming?" Alice queried. "To-morrow," Janet told them. "Tom went to New York last Monday and he sent me a telegram saying they would all be here to-morrow." "Yes, so Miss Clark said." Mildred did not try to conceal the fact that her sister's question was asked purely to make conversation. The date and hour had been circulated freely about the village as soon as Tom's wire had arrived. "How is Mrs. Todd?" Janet asked, to save Alice further embarrassment. The girls exchanged glances.