The remark was not a startling one certainly, but when one considers that it was the first direct word Mrs. Philippa had addressed to Mrs. Deborah for more than twenty years, it is perhaps no wonder that Mrs. Chloe dropped her tea-cup, and that Amabel and I both tried so hard to look unconcerned, that it was well no strangers were present. Mrs. Deborah however answered as quietly as though she had been chatting with her sister all day. "The cheese-cakes are much as usual, Sister Philippa. It is perhaps that exercise has given you a better appetite." "Possibly!" replied Mrs. Philippa with a smile. "You were always famous for your cheese-cakes, Sister Deborah." From the cheese-cakes, Mrs. Philippa diverged to other subjects. She told several anecdotes of her youth, asked Mrs. Deborah if she did not remember this and that circumstance, told Mrs. Chloe that she was nervous and needed the doctor, and in short made herself so agreeable that I did not know her. After supper, she delayed a moment and said, as it seemed with a little hesitation: "Sister Deborah, I am thinking of going to Berwick for a little change, and to visit my friend Lady Betty Alworthy. Will it be convenient to you to let me have the small travelling coach, and Richard to attend me?" "Certainly, Sister Philippa, but will not the journey fatigue you?" said Mrs. Deborah. "You know the roads are not of the best!" "I do not think so!" was the reply, without any of Mrs. Philippa's usual irritability at being opposed. "Doctor Brown has lately come from Berwick, and he tells me the roads are good; and Lady Betty specially desires my visit just now." "Very well, Sister Philippa, suit your own convenience," was the reply. "I will see that all things are in readiness and trust you may have a pleasant visit." "What is going to happen?" said I rather pertly, when Mrs. Philippa had withdrawn. Mrs. Chloe's soft eyes were full of tears, and old Roberts shook his head solemnly. "It is a warning, ladies! That's what it is!" said the old man. "Something is a going for to happen to Mrs. Philippa. Folks don't change that way for nothing. Didn't you notice, Mrs. Deborah and Mrs. Chloe, that she never so much as called me an old fool, once? Poor lady." "What do you think is going to happen, Sister Deborah?" asked Mrs. Chloe in a quivering voice. "I think Philippa is going to Berwick, if she does not change her mind before the day after to-morrow!" replied Mrs. Deborah, with a tone and look which showed she was annoyed. "And I am afraid I shall call Roberts an old fool myself, if he does not clear the table, instead of standing there talking nonsense to frighten you, Sister Chloe. Do draw up your shawl and go to the fire." "What did Roberts and Mrs. Chloe mean by saying that something was going to happen to Mrs. Philippa?" I asked of Amabel, when we were in our own room together. Mary Lee thought the question was addressed to her and answered with some solemnity.