spoke to him of the interests of a day, like it, not yet unfolded. Uncle
Bob after his own fashion savoured life....

[Illustration: DR. PRUE]

The sun had travelled around the house and was looking in at the west
window of the Little Red Chimney Room, when Virginia discovered her
ladyship sitting on a low stool by her hearthstone deep in meditation.
"I saw the smoke," she announced, "so I thought I'd come over."

"I am glad to see you," Margaret Elizabeth said, waking up. "But what
smoke do you mean?" And now it developed that although Miss Bentley was
of course aware of the Little Red Chimney, and indeed preferred it red,
she had not understood its significance.

In amused interest she listened while Virginia explained. "That dear,
ridiculous Uncle Bob!" she cried, hugging her knees. "And what fun,
Virginia!"

Virginia nodded. "Like a fairy-tale," she said.

"So it is," Miss Bentley agreed, and became again lost in thought.

From the other side of the hearth Virginia watched her. Her ladyship
to-day wore a grey-blue gown with a broad white collar, and she
contrasted harmoniously with the soft browns and greens of her
surroundings. Uncle Bob should have been there to enjoy the glint of
the sunshine in her hair.

It was an unobtrusive room, abounding in pleasant suggestions if you sat