"No. But then, again, Oliver Jupp and the station people maintain it was the red," said Mr. Lake, remarking upon the fact that had puzzled him all along. "For my part, I think there was a little sleight of hand going on. Some conjurors must have been there in disguise. Now gentlemen and ladies, walk up; the performance is just going to begin. The celebrated Signor Confusiani has taken his place, and is entering on his mysteries. He transforms colours by the help of his magic wand In looking at the green, you perceive it change to red; in looking at the red, it at once passes into blue." They all laughed, except Clara. She sat still as before, her eyes fixed on the fire. "You see, sir, the worst of it is that Matthew is kept out of employment all this time," said Miss Cooper. "They have suspended him. He and his poor young wife are at their wits' end nearly, over it. Two months now, and not a shilling coming in." "Yes, it is very bad," returned Mr. Lake, speaking seriously for once. "There's a baby too, is there not?" "Yes, sir. Three weeks old." "I suppose you give them your earnings." "I give them what I can, sir; but I have my mother to keep." "Ah," concluded Mr. Lake, abandoning the subject. "Have you been for a walk today, Clara?" "No." "You ought to take her, Robert; she scarcely ever goes out now. You might have come back earlier and done it. Lady Ellis did not have a walk today, failing you. Why did you not come sooner?" "Couldn't manage it, Mrs. Chester." "But--when _did_ you come?" suddenly resumed Mrs. Chester, after a pause of thought. "You must have come back in the afternoon. There's no train at this hour." "Oh, they put on a special one for me." "Don't be stupid," retorted Mrs. Chester. "You must have been back some time." "Have it your own way, Penelope, and perhaps you'll live the longer." "Uncle Robert, you know you were back ever so long ago," interposed Fanny Chester, who had just come into the room. "You have been staying in the garden with Lady Ellis." "What's that?" cried Mr. Lake. "I saw you. You were both of you going towards the shrubbery." He caught hold of the little speaker by the waist, and swung her round. "That's the way you see ghosts, is it, Miss Fanny! Take care they don't run away with you! How could you see me in the shrubbery, pray, if I was not there." "Be quiet, Uncle Robert; put me down. Mamma there's a good fire in the parlour now, and the tea-tray is carried in. And Miss Cooper, I was to tell you they are waiting tea for you in the kitchen."