'It would be a great pleasure, to Prim. I think we could bear it for a week, even with Mrs. Coles? Hey?' 'I dare say you can.—And if I cannot, you will never know,' said Wych Hazel with a laugh. 'So the way is clear.' 'I know Prudentia wants to consult a physician here. So I will write at once to Prim—and you will give Mrs. Bywank her orders about the care of Heinert? And tell her, Wych, that Arthur will be at Chickaree a good deal also, till we come home.' Hazel wrought her fingers into a knot of peculiar ingenuity, at thought of Mrs. Coles, but other remark made none. A few days more brought the dreaded invasion. The ladies came of course; and as it fell out, Hazel had to receive them alone, Dane being down town at his business; for Prim and her sister arrived at midday, having found it good to spend a night on the road. The state of jocund delight in which they were, might go far to justify Rollo in having given the invitation; Prim was beaming, and Mrs. Coles proudly exultant. To be received into such an establishment; to be at home there; and without a cent of expense! Visions of pleasure filled the mind of both sisters; but very unlike; for while Prudentia dreamed of visits and shops, Prim thought of sitting beside Dane again, and at his own fireside. The luncheon which Hazel dispensed to them, could not fail in such a mood to be greatly enjoyed; and talk flowed freely. Prudentia, being a guest, felt herself on vantage ground and a good deal more unrestrained than usual. She was in a patronising mood generally. But Prim was grateful. 'It seems almost like Chickaree, Hazel,' said the latter, 'to see you sitting there. And have you all these rooms to yourself? How delightful! What beautiful rooms!' 'But so high up!' her sister remarked. 'I am surprised that Dane did not get you rooms on the first floor, Hazel?' The young mistress of the 'rooms,' it may be noted, was a trifle grand and stately to-day, and in a particularly unapproachable dress. 'Yes?' she said calmly. 'I think one's friends very often surprise one.' 'I know they do,' said Primrose. 'I wonder why they do. Other people never surprise one so much.' 'And how does Dane behave, in his new character?' Mrs. Coles went on, sipping her cup of tea with great satisfaction. 'Mr. Rollo is quite well, thank you.' 'To be quite well—with him—used to mean, that he had his own way,' said the lady blandly, but with a peculiar look over the table. 'Dear me! how delicious this tea is. You don't get such at our little country shops.—Does it mean the same thing still? Do you let him have his way as much as he likes?' 'Did you never dare cross him in the old time?' said Wych Hazel with one of her mild looks of astonishment. '_I_ dared,' said Mrs. Coles with a smile. 'O yes, _I_ dared, but I was the only one. I always wondered how it would be with his wife.'