"Dora won't be back till the last train. Are you sure you won't be afraid to be left all alone in the house after dark, you two little folks?"
"Yes'm, certain sure. What are you smiling for, mother? To think you've got a boy that's smart enough to keep house?"
"Well, yes, it does make me happy to see my son so ready to please his father and mother."
Then she hesitated a moment, turned to her husband, and said,—
"If we only knew just how sick grandpa is, perhaps we could wait till to-morrow."
"They would not have telegraphed if they had not needed us," said Dr. Gray, decidedly.
"Yes, yes, I suppose you are right," said Mrs. Gray, looking thoughtful, as she put on her bonnet before the glass. "There, baby and I are ready. Have you charged Preston about locking up the house?"
"Yes; and Preston, my son, you must spend the evening in the kitchen: it won't do to have a fire in the sitting-room till Dora comes. And don't put a stick of wood in the stove after seven o'clock. Can you remember?"
"Yes, sir."