Calista related what had taken place, and added that her aunt had given her permission to finish her term at school. "I dare say she will take it back," she added. "She will want me to stay at home and cut carpet-rags." "You had better say nothing on the subject, but take the permission for granted, and go as usual," said Miss Druett. "I want you to do several little things for me in town. But now, to finish my story: It seems that my father, Colonel Druett, had his conscience awakened in his latter days, and by his will left a few hundred pounds to his child and a small annuity to his wife. His brother, who was his heir, never took any steps to execute this part of the will; but his nephew was more honest or less indolent. He took pains to inquire me out, a few years ago, and actually sent me not only the five hundred pounds which was my due, but two hundred more on account of the annuity which my mother should have received. So that I have a reasonable provision for my old age." "I wonder you should have staid on here under the circumstances," said Calista. "Why did you?" "Why, for several reasons. I am attached to Priscilla, with all her faults, and know that I am necessary to her; and I remember old kindness at the hands of her parents; and besides all this," said Miss Druett, with that sudden, lightning-like smile which so transformed her face, "there was a certain wayward girl who had somehow contrived to win her way into my heart in spite of me, and I staid to look after her. And now I come to what I want to say particularly. I have, as I told you, a small house in the outskirts of Philadelphia. If I can get it into my own hands without too much sacrifice, I shall do so. Then, will you come and live with me, Calista? No, don't answer now," as Calista sprang up and threw her arms around her neck. "Take time to think about it. It may involve a good deal. You know Priscilla has all this property absolutely in her hands, and can leave it to whom she pleases. The property has greatly increased in value with the advance of rents, and she must leave a large fortune, supposing she does not lose everything in some wild speculation, which is not at all unlikely." "Do you think so?" asked Calista, surprised. "She has already spent hundreds of dollars on lottery tickets," said Miss Druett, "and would have spent more but for my influence. She wasted nearly as much with those miserable treasure-seekers, and is likely to do it again. I fear leaving her here alone. It is time for you to go to bed now. I will give you some money to lay out for me in the morning; and I should like to have you tell Mr. Settson of my plan, and ask him what he thinks about it. There, good-night, child, and God bless you. I have not made you as happy as I might, but at least you know the worst of me." The next morning Calista prepared for school as usual, and then went to Miss Druett, who gave her a list of commissions and directions.