On the day when Mr Timmins had elected to come it was Christmas Eve. In consequence, the trains were a little out of order, and Mrs Fortescue could not tell exactly when he would arrive. "He said three o'clock, dears," she remarked to her young charges as they sat together at breakfast, the girls wearing pretty brown dresses which suited their clear complexions to a nicety. "Now, as a rule, the three o'clock train is in to the moment, but of course to-day it may be late--in all probability it will be late. I shall order hot cakes for tea; Bridget is quite celebrated for her hot cakes. We will have tea ready for him when he comes. Then when he has had his chat with me, he will want to say a word or two to you, Brenda, and you, Florence. You had better not be out of the way." "We thought of going for a good walk," said Florence. "It is you, after all, he wants to see, Mrs Fortescue. He never has had much to say to us, has he?" Here she looked at her sister. "No," said Brenda, thoughtfully. "But," she added, "when he wrote to me this time, he said he particularly wanted to see you and me alone, Flo. He didn't even mention your name, Mrs Fortescue." "Ah well, dear," said Mrs Fortescue, with a smile; "that is quite natural. You have left school, you know." "I can't quite believe it, can you, Brenda?" said Florence. "It seems just as if we must be going back to the dear old place." "Oh, I don't know," said Brenda. "We are not going back: we said good-bye to every one, don't you remember?" "You are never going back, dears, and for my part, I am glad," said Mrs Fortescue. "You will be my charge in future; at least, I hope so." The girls were silent, looking hard at her. "As I have taken care of you since you were quite young girls, you will naturally wish for my protection until you are both married." Brenda was silent. Florence said eagerly--"I mean to marry as soon as possible." Here she laughed, showing her pearly teeth, and a flashing light of anticipated triumph coming into her eyes. "Of course you will marry soon, Florence," said Mrs Fortescue. "You are far too pretty not to be somebody's darling before long. And you, Brenda, also have an exceedingly attractive face. What are your dreams for the future, my love?" "I cannot tell you," said Brenda. She got up as she spoke, and walked to the window. After a time, she said something to her sister, and the girls left the room arm-in-arm.