At last the conversation came to an end, and Mrs. Overtheway came upstairs.
She kissed Ida very tenderly, and inquired after her health; but though she seemed more affectionate than usual, Ida felt persuaded that something was the matter. She drew a chair to the fire, and the old lady sat down, saying—
"May I stay a little with you, my dear?"
"Oh, thank you?" said Ida, and put a footstool for the old lady's feet.
Mrs. Overtheway stroked her head tenderly for some time in silence, and then said, in a gentle voice—
"I have something to tell you, my dear."
"Another story?" Ida asked. "Oh, thank you, if it is another story."
The old lady was silent, but at last she said, as if to herself—
"Perhaps best so," and added: "yes, my love, I will tell you a story."