"I mean to try."
They left the room, closing the door after them, and went up with their loads—papers, string, packing-canvas, cardboard boxes, rubbish, shawls, and what not.
Agnes placed the various things in their places, while Alice watched and handed them to her, and at last all was done and the girls ran down, just as a double rap sounded through the hall.
"That's auntie's knock, I shall open it," exclaimed Alice, and in a moment she admitted a little lady, whose pale delicate face and stooping attitude betokened constant ill health.
"Well, my dears," she said cheerfully, "I knew you would have a few things to do after such an early starting, so I waited for a little time. Are the boys back yet?"
"No; we expect them every moment," answered Agnes, leading her aunt into the now orderly dining-room, and placing her in an arm-chair.
Miss Headley's eyes wandered round in search of little Minnie, and soon she saw the sleeping child.
"Not ill?" she asked, reassuring herself with her eyes before Agnes answered:
"She was tired with excitement, I think, and grief. I am so glad she is asleep."
"The best thing for her. And they got off well?"