ay need in the night. Besides, the sun--oh, the dimity room! Well, I
dare say it will do well enough. Stuffy, isn't it? but I am the easiest
person in the world to satisfy. And _how_ is Aunt Marcia? I shall go to
see her the first thing in the morning; she will hardly expect me to
call this afternoon, though I could make a special effort if you think
she would feel sensitive."

"Indeed, Maria, I am very sorry, but I don't feel sure--in fact, I
rather fear that you may not be able to see Aunt Marcia, at all events
just at present."

"Not be able to see her! My dear Vesta, what can you mean? Why, I am
going to _stay_ with Aunt Marcia. I wrote to her as well as to you, and
said that I should divide my visit equally between you. Of course I feel
all that I owe to you, my love; I have made all my arrangements for a
long stay; indeed, it happens to fit in very well with my plans, but I
need not trouble you with details now. What I mean to say is, that in
spite of all I owe to you, I have also a sacred duty to fulfil toward my
aunt. It is impossible in the nature of things that she should live much
longer, and as her own niece and the mother of a family I am bound,
solemnly bound, to soothe and cheer a few, at least, of her closing
days. I suppose the dear old thing feels a little hurt that I did not go
to her first, from what you say; old people are very tetchy, I ought to
have remembered that, but you were the one in affliction, and I felt
bound--but I will make that all right, never fear, in the morning.
There, my dear, don't, I beg of you, give yourself the slightest
uneasiness about the matter! I am quite able to take care of myself, and
of you and Aunt Marcia into the bargain. You do not know me, my dear!
Yes, Diploma can bring me the tea now, and I will unpack and set things
to rights a bit. You will not mind if I move the furniture about a
little? I have my own ideas, and they are not always such bad ones.
Good-by, my love! Go and rest now, you look like a ghost. I shall have
to take you in hand at once, I see; so fortunate that I came.
_Good_-by!"

Miss Vesta, descending the stairs with a troubled brow, was met by
Diploma with the announcement that Doctor Stedman was in the parlor.

"Oh!" Miss Vesta breathed a little sigh of pleasure and relief, and
hastened down.

"Good afternoon, James! I am rejoiced to see you. I--something
perplexing has occurred; perhaps you may be able to advise me. Sister
Phoebe would hav