afraid we cannot manage anything new for evenings; you must make
the black dresses do."

Mollie groaned dismally.

"They are so old and shabby! The sleeves look as if they had come out
of the Ark. I do so long to be white and fluffy for once. Can't we
squeeze out white dresses, mother? I'd do without sugar and jam for a
year, if you'll advance the money. Even muslin would be better than
nothing, and it would wash, and come in for summer best, and then cut up
into curtains, and after that into dusters. Really, if you look at it
in the right light, it would be an economy to buy them! I am sure Uncle
Bernard would like to see me in white! Now don't you think he would?"

"I'll do what I can, dear--I'll do what I can! I should like you both
to look as well as possible. `Matters of importance!' ... I can't
think what matters of importance Uncle Bernard can wish to discuss with
children like you. And who are the other guests? And are they also
included in the discussion? I don't know of any near relations he has
left, except ourselves; but he was even more intimate with his wife's
people than his own, and she belonged to a large family. Dear, dear!
It is most awkward to be so much in the dark. I do wish he had been a
little more explicit while he was about it."

"Never mind, muv; it makes it all the more exciting. We are going to
meet someone, and we don't know whom; and to discuss something, and we
don't know what; and to stay, we don't know how long. There's this
comfort--we can easily take all our belongings, and still not be
overburdened with luggage! Ten days--only ten days before we start! It
sounds almost too good to be true. But how will you manage without us,
dear little mother?"

"Oh, don't trouble about me, dear! I'll manage beautifully. Old Miss
Carter can come in to help me if I get too tired; but, indeed, I shall
be so happy to think of you two girls staying at the dear old Court that
it will do me as much good as a tonic. Now I will go and talk to pater
about money matters. We ought to begin preparations at once."

Mr Connor joined in the general satisfaction at the invitation which
had been given to his step-daughters, and, though mildly surprised to
hear that any fresh equipments would be required, took his wife's word
for the need, and produced two five-pound notes from his cash-box, which
she was deputed to use as she thought fit.

"If you don't need it all, you can give me ba