to prepare a table for its reception, and Tildy looked at her with
eyes of fresh admiration. Mrs. Howland raised herself and also looked
at the girl.

"Have you kept the cakes downstairs, and the muffins that I ordered,
and the gooseberries?"

"No, um," said Tildy. "I brought them up for Miss Maggie's tea."

"I told you they were not to be touched till Mr. Martin came."

"Yes, um," said Tildy; "but me and Mrs. Ross thought as Miss Maggie
'u'd want 'em."

Mrs. Howland glanced at her daughter. Then all of a sudden, and quite
unexpectedly, her faded face grew red. She perceived an expression of
inquiry in Maggie's eyes which rather frightened her.

"It's all right," she said. "Now that you've brought the things up,
Tildy, leave them here, and go. When Mr. Martin comes, show him up.
Now leave us, and be quick about it."

Tildy departed, slamming the door behind her.

"How noisy that girl is!" said Mrs. Howland. "Well, I am better now;
I'll just go into our bedroom and get tidy. I'll be back in a few
minutes. I mustn't be seen looking this fright when Mr. Martin
comes."

"But who is Mr. Martin?" said Maggie.

"You will know presently," said Mrs. Howland. "It's about him that I
have news."

Maggie felt her heart thumping in a very uncomfortable manner. The
bedroom which she and her mother shared together--that is, when Maggie
was with her mother--was at the back of the drawing-room. Mrs. Howland
remained there for about five minutes, and during that time Maggie
helped herself to a cup of tea, for she was feverishly hot and
thirsty.

Her mother returned at the end of five minutes, looking wonderfully
better, and in fact quite rejuvenated. Her dress was fairly neat. She
had a slight color in her pale cheeks which considerably brightened
her light-blue eyes. Her faded hair was arranged with some neatness,
and she had put on a white blouse and a blue alpaca skirt.

"Oh mother," said Maggie, hailing this change with great relief, "how
much better you look now! I am a comfort to you, am I not, mums? I
sha'n't mind coming back and giving up all my fun if I am a real
comfort to you."

"I wouldn't have sent for you but for Mr. Martin," said Mrs. Howland.
"It was he who wished it. Yes, I am much better now, though I cannot
honestly say that you are the cause. It's the thought of seeing Mr.
Martin that cheers me up; I must be tidy for him. Yes, you may pour
out a cup of tea for me; only see that you keep some really