When we returned home it was late, and we were sorry to find that Mr. Somers had called: his card lay on the table.

Mrs. Gabb hurried up after us to explain.

“I thought as how you were in, Mrs. Hayes, so I asked him up, and he sat and waited for over half an hour. He wrote a bit of a note. It’s there in the blotter.” And there it was:

“So sorry not to find you at home. I am off to town the day after Christmas for a short time. Hope to see you when I return.

“E. S.”


CHAPTER XI.

MRS. MOUND’S OPINION.