"Tea is served," announced James, opening the door.
"One word, Miss Howard. Will you listen to my story? I want you to read my sister's letters. If you will listen to me first, you will then understand the cause she had to consider me her enemy."
"I should consider it a sacred privilege."
"My good Hepsey, Miss Prime, Mr. Angus," she added, advancing to the table, where Hepsey sat. "Mr. Angus is my Grantbury pastor, Ethel's friend," she explained, as they took their seats.
After grace had been said, the conversation turned naturally to the family of Mr. Asbury, and especially to Ethel.
After a while Mr. Angus asked,—
"Have you heard from Mrs. Douglass of late?"
"Yes, she has revived in a wonderful manner. I intend to visit her as soon as my doctor removes the embargo he has placed on me. He has the lowest opinion of my prudence, and imagines me incapable of caution."
"And he is right," insisted Hepsey, laughing. "Once you begin your visits, there is no knowing when they will end, until you are brought up again by some other contagious disease."
"I am engaged this evening, James, if any one calls," remarked Marion, as they rose from the table and returned to the parlor. "Now, Mr. Angus I want to introduce you to my dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, who have kindly made a home for me."