[Illustration: "She does not know that I made a slit in my frock"]

The night after Emily's story had been read, there was a violent
thunderstorm and rain, which continued more or less till daybreak; it
was fine again after sunrise.

At breakfast a note was brought by a boy from Mrs. Goodriche: these
were the words of it:

"DEAR MR. FAIRCHILD,

"Since that happy day we spent together, we have been in what
Sukey calls a peck of troubles; and, to crown all, last night one
of our old chimneys was struck with lightning: part of it fell
immediately, but I am thankful to be able to say, that by the care
of Providence no one was hurt.

"We are all got into a corner out of the reach of it, should it
fall, though it might yet stand for years as it is. I have other
things to talk to you about, and was thinking of coming over to
you if this accident had not happened. Now I must ask you to come
to me; I have sent for workmen to consult about this chimney, but
I shall have more confidence if you are here."

"I must be off immediately after breakfast," said Mr. Fairchild; and he
did set off, in his little carriage, as soon as he had set Henry to
work.

Mr. Fairchild saw the top of the ragged chimney over the trees in the
garden. As soon as he came up to the gate, he himself put up the horse
and carriage, for he could see no man about, and then went in at the
back door, expecting to find Mrs. Goodriche at that end of the house
farthest from the chimney.

Sukey was the first person he saw.

"Oh, sir," she said, "I am so glad you are come! We shall be all right
now."

"Nay," said Mr. Fairchild, jestingly, "I hope you don't expect _me_ to
repair the chimney."

"Is that Mr. Fairchild?" cried the cheerful voice of Mrs. Goodriche;
and the next minute she came out of her parlour, followed by a tall
round-faced girl of about twelve years of age, in very deep mourning.

"My niece, Mr. Fairchild," said Mrs. Goodriche; "but tell me, have you
breakfasted?" And when she heard that he had; "Come with me, kind
friend," she said, "we will first look at the ruin, and then I have
other things to talk to you, and to consult you about. So, Bessy, do
you stay behind; you are not to make one in our consultations."

Mrs. Goodriche and Mr. Fairchild then walked into the garden; and we
will tell, in as few words as possible, what they talked about.

First they spoke of the chimn