rcise was almost beyond her endurance, and
yet she dared not even open a window, for fear of incurring her aunt's
displeasure. Mrs. Carleton and Elsie were out, but Hortense had been
left in charge, with strict injunctions to see that Mademoiselle
Marjorie kept out of draughts, and took her medicine regularly. Marjorie
was just wondering in her desperation whether a walk up and down the
steam-heated hotel corridor would be regarded in the light of an
imprudence, when there was a ring at the bell, and Hortense announced
Mrs. Randolph.

"I have only just heard you were ill," the visitor said kindly, taking
Marjorie's hand in hers, and looking with sympathetic interest into the
pale, woe-begone face. "Your aunt told Beverly at luncheon that you had
a bad cold. You should have let me know sooner; I can't have my kind
little friend laid up without trying to return some of her goodness to
me."

"It wasn't goodness at all," said Marjorie, flushing with pleasure; "it
was just having a lovely time. I was thinking only yesterday, what a
very selfish girl I must be, for I couldn't help being sorry you didn't
need me any more, it's so pleasant to be needed."

Marjorie's voice trembled a little, for she was feeling rather weak and
forlorn, and Mrs. Randolph drew her down beside her on the sofa.

"I think I always need you, dear," she said. "I have missed your visits
very much, and reading to myself doesn't seem half as pleasant as having
a nice little girl read aloud to me. Still, I am glad to have the use of
my eyes again, especially as we are going away next week."

"Going away!" repeated Marjorie, and her face expressed so much dismay
that Mrs. Randolph could not help smiling.

"We are not going for good," she explained, "but Beverly's vacation
begins next Wednesday, and he is anxious to spend Christmas at our
Virginia home. We shall only be away about ten days."

Marjorie looked much relieved.

"I was afraid you meant you were going to Europe, or somewhere far
away," she said, "and that I shouldn't see you any more. I don't know
what I should do without you."

"And I should miss you very much, too," said Mrs. Randolph, "but nothing
so unpleasant is going to happen, I hope. What are your plans for the
holidays?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. Elsie and I are invited to several parties,
and Aunt Julia's sister, Mrs. Ward, is having a tree on Christmas night.
I can't help wishing the holidays were over. It will be my firs