"And this is all you wanted to know?" "Yes, thanks. Of course you will not repeat this—this little talk of ours?" "No, indeed. And I suppose I must not ask you one question in return. Would it be wrong? That impression—the impression Prue made upon you, all those years ago—I wonder if it has gone quite off? Do people change?" "Some do!" "I could not, if once I cared for anybody very very much." "Nor I!" said Mr. Kelly. She lifted her face to his, and said markedly—"Nor Prue!" The light that broke over his face was very singular. Lettice had never seen anything exactly like it. "Thank you very much," he said at length. "You have given me courage." Then he was gone; and Lettice saw him striding off, at "double-quick-march" in the direction of the Valentines' house, that house which they had only reentered two days before. He would find things in some confusion; but what did that matter. "I'm so glad I could say a word. If only he will come to the point!" murmured Lettice. Three hours later, a note was left at the door, and Lettice read: "DEAR LETTICE,—You must be the first to hear. Mr. Kelly has asked me to be his wife, and I have consented. He says it is your doing. Thanks, dear little 'outside sister.'— "Ever your loving, "PRUE." "Lettice, I say, here's a telegram for you." Felix had overtaken the telegraph boy at the door, on arrival at the close of his day's work. Lettice looked up with dreamy eyes. "A what! O Felix, I have such news! Guess—good news! What do you think is going to happen?" "Can't tell." "Mr. Kelly and Prue are engaged to be married." "Time they should, if they ever mean to do it. I thought they would have dangled on to the end of the chapter. When did he speak?" "Only to-day. Prue wrote at once to tell me. I am so delighted. Nothing could be nicer. And she will have a home so near to them all. But what do you mean? Did you expect it? How came you to think of such a thing?" "How could anybody avoid seeing it? Here, what is this?" "A telegram!" Lettice tore open the envelope and lifted scared eyes to her brother. "Don't stare! What is it? Anything wrong?" "Felix, I must go!" "Go where?" "Keith is dying." She sat down, trembling. He looked over and read aloud. "Come at once; late train. Keith dying, wants to see you. Bring companion if needful. Will pay all expenses. No delay. Maurice Bryant." "I must go directly. The very first train. Poor little Keith." "Now, Lettice, be sensible! Don't upset yourself. It's no manner of use, and you'll only lose time. I will look-out trains, while you run upstairs and put your things together. You may have to stay a few days. There's a train, I fancy, about nine or ten. The boy is waiting, and a reply has been pre-paid. I'll say we are both coming. Yes, I shall go too. You can't travel alone at midnight." "How good you are."