When Mrs. Halifax, quite convalescent, was brought triumphantly to her old place at our happy Sunday dinner-table, and all the boys came pressing about her, vying which should get most kisses from little sister Maud—she looked round, surprised amidst her smiling, and asked:
"Where is Muriel?"
"She seems to feel this bitter weather a good deal," John said; "and I thought it better she should not come down to dinner."
"No," added Guy, wondering and dolefully, "sister has not been down to dinner with us for a great many days."
The mother started; looked first at her husband, and then at me.
"Why did nobody tell me this?"
"Love—there was nothing new to be told."
"Has the child had any illness that I do not know of?"
"No."
"Has Dr. Jessop seen her?"