he left the room, put on her
out-of-door things, and went to post the letter. By this time she began
to feel the results of exertion and excitement; headache and tremulous
failing of her strength obliged her to go to bed almost as soon as she
returned. Mildred waited upon her with undiminished kindness.

'It's all right,' Monica murmured, as her head sank on the pillow. 'I
feel so relieved and so glad--so happy--now I have done it.'

'Good-night, dear,' replied the other, with a kiss, and went back to
her semblance of reading.

Two days later Monica called unexpectedly at Mrs. Conisbee's. Being
told by that worthy woman that Miss Madden was at home, she ran
upstairs and tapped at the door. Virginia's voice inquired hurriedly
who was there, and on Monica's announcing herself there followed a
startled exclamation.

'Just a minute, my love! Only a minute.'

When the door opened Monica was surprised by a disorder in her sister's
appearance. Virginia had flushed cheeks, curiously vague eyes, and hair
ruffled as if she had just risen from a nap. She began to talk in a
hurried, disconnected way, trying to explain that she had not been
quite well, and was not yet properly dressed.

'What a strange smell!' Monica exclaimed, looking about the room. 'It's
like brandy.'

'You notice it? I have--I was obliged to get--to ask Mrs. Conisbee
for--I don't want to alarm you, dear, but I felt rather faint. Indeed,
I thought I should have a fainting fit. I was obliged to call Mrs.
Conisbee--But don't think anything about it. It's all over. The weather
is very trying--'

She laughed nervously and began to pat Monica's hand. The girl was not
quite satisfied, and pressed many questions, but in the end she
accepted Virginia's assurances that nothing serious had happened. Then
her own business occupied her; she sat down, and said with a smile,--

'I have brought you astonishing news. If you didn't faint before you'll
be very likely to do so now.'

Her sister exhibited fresh agitation, and begged not to be kept in
suspense.

'My nerves are in a shocking state to-day. It _must_ be the weather.
What _can_ you have to tell me, Monica?'

'I think I shan't need to go on with typewriting.'

'Why? What are you going to do, child?' the other asked sharply.

'Virgie--I am going to be married.'

The shock was a severe one. Virginia's hands fell, her eyes started,
her mouth opened; she became the colour of clay, even her lips losing
for