"Do you know how long she intends remaining at the parsonage?"
"I think her visit is of indefinite duration."
"Edna, will you oblige me by inquiring whether Henry intends to give us any supper to-night? He forgets we have had no dinner. St. Elmo, do turn down that gas—the wind makes it flare dreadfully."
Edna left the room to obey Mrs. Murray's command, and did not return immediately; but, after the party seated themselves at the table, she noticed that the master seemed in unusually high spirits; and when the meal was concluded, he challenged his cousins to a game of billiards.
They repaired to the rotunda, and Mrs. Murray beckoned to Edna to follow her. As they entered her apartment she carefully closed the door.
"Edna, when did Mrs. Powell arrive?"
"Last night."
"Did you see her?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Is she very pretty?"