"Oh, that's all right then! We thought we would have three pennyworth of buns and three pennyworth of parliaments; they go so far, you know, Ada." Nellie joined them at this moment, and Ada told the little girls not to lose their way in going to the confectioner's; Nellie also instructed Simmons to have an oversight of the drawing room party. They found their father and Arthur in the carriage waiting for them, and were soon on their way to Christina's. "Shall you come with us?" asked Ada of her brother. "Oh, yes. I long to hear all about Walter's plans." Dr. Arundel left them in the middle of Hampstead, and they then drove up over the heath to Sunnyside. The young people quickly jumped out, and were admitted before the carriage had time to turn. Arthur and Ada hastened in, while Nellie followed. Christina had seen the carriage stop, and came out into the hall to meet them. Ada threw her arms round her, and exclaimed, "Oh, I'm so glad, Christina." Christina smiled, and disengaging herself, came up to Nellie, and kissed her lovingly. Nellie glanced in the beautiful face with its calm brightness, a face like no other, she thought. "Dear Christina," was all she ventured to say. They all went into the drawing room, where they found Christina's aunt, who was looking smiling and happy. "Delightful, isn't it?" said Arthur to her. "Indeed it is; so unexpected too," she answered. "We must talk to you, Miss Arbuthnot," said Arthur, "and let the two friends go and tell their secrets in private." "Oh!" answered Ada grudgingly. "I wish they'd tell their secrets here; at least tell us all the news." "So we will," said Christina, taking Nellie's hand, "but we must have a tiny talk first, Ada." She drew Nellie from the room, and did not speak again till they were shut in her bedroom, where a fire was burning. Christina seated herself on a sofa by it, and put her arm round Nellie's waist. "You are not glad about it, darling?" she said inquiringly. "Oh, Christina!" exclaimed Nellie, "I am. I could hardly be more glad." Christina looked surprised, and went on, "Then why does my Nellie look so triste?" "I'll tell you about that, perhaps. I have had a trouble, but now I feel nothing but how glad I am about Walter." "Tell me about your trouble first, Nellie." "Not to-day, dear; perhaps never; I do not know. To-day I will only think of you. Have you had a long letter?" "Not very; he was in too great a hurry to write much." "Does he say when he is coming?" "Why yes, Nellie. Did you not know? He hopes to be here for Christmas." "For Christmas? I had no idea it could be so soon! Oh, Christina!" "He was to sail a week after this mail started." Nellie was so overcome by this second piece of news, that she could only burst into tears again. Christina kissed her, and did all she could to soothe her, but knew not what to say. "You are quite worn-out," she said tenderly, "and no wonder, with so much to do and think about."