"Isn't it interesting to think of Aunt Zélie being a little girl?" said Bess; "but go on, Sukey, and tell about when Carl was born."
"Well, it did seem like she was just too happy when the baby came. He was a fine child, and Miss Elinor said Miss Zélie might name him. Well, she and your grandpa would sit and argue about that name, and after I don't know how long they settled on William Carleton. That was the name of Miss Elinor's only brother, and William was old Master's name too. Mr. Carl used to come down right often, and he and Miss Zélie was great friends, though he was eight years older. Well, when—"
Just at this moment the kitchen door opened; the children had their backs to it, but Sukey sat facing it, and her story came to a sudden stop. Bess, turning to look, was clasped from behind. Could it possibly be? Yes, it certainly was Aunt Zélie herself.
"You darling! When did you come?" asked Louise, holding her fast.
"This very minute. I wrote to Frank that I would be home to-morrow, and then found that I could get off to-day."
"And is Miss Lyons's brother well?" inquired Bess.
"Almost, and she sent her thanks to you for letting me take her place."
"She is welcome, now you are at home again," laughed Louise, with another hug.
The candy was almost forgotten in the delight at Aunt Zélie's return, and would have been spoiled if Mandy had not taken it in hand.
When the traveller went to change her dress Louise had a little triumph over Carl which pleased her exceedingly.