"Is it you, my dear Miss Prescott?" was the greeting of the older
hostess as she entered, her grey hair rough and uncovered, and her
dress of well-used black silk, her complexion of the red that shows
wear and care. "Then it is true?" she asked, as the kiss and double
shake of the hand was exchanged.

"May I ask? Is it true? May I congratulate you?"

"Oh, yes, it is true!" said Miss Prescott, breathlessly. "I suppose
the girls are at the High School?"

"Yes, they will be at home at one. Or shall I send for them?"

"No, thank you, Mrs. Best. I shall like to have a little time with
you first. I can stay till a quarter-past three."

"Then come and take off your things. I do not know when I have been
so glad!"

"Do the girls know?" asked Miss Prescott, following upstairs to a
comfortable bedroom, evidently serving also the purposes of a private
room, for writing table and account books stood near the fire.

"They know something; Kate Bell heard a report from her cousins, and
they have been watching anxiously for news from you."

"I would not write till I knew more. I hope they have not raised
their expectations too high; for though it is enough to be an immense
relief, it is not exactly affluence. I have been with Mr. Bell going
into the matter and seeing the place," said Miss Prescott, sitting