wonderful person! She is quite like a _man_ in energy and resources.
I never imagined that one of our sex could resolve and plan and act
as she does!'

Monica inquired anxiously what the projects for improving their
income might be.

'Nothing is decided yet,' was the reply, given with a confident
smile. 'Let us first of all put _you_ in comfort and security; that
is the immediate need.'

The listener was interested, but did not show any eagerness for the
change proposed. Presently she stood at the window and lost herself
in thought. Alice gave signs of an inclination to doze; she had had
a sleepless night, in spite of soporifics. Though no sun entered the
room, it was very hot, and the presence of a third person made the
air oppressive.

'Don't you think we might go out for half an hour?' Monica
whispered, when Virginia had pointed to the invalid's closed eves.
'I'm sure it's very unhealthy for us all to be in this little
place.'

I don't like to leave her,' the other whispered back. 'But I
certainly think it would be better for you to have fresh air.
Wouldn't you like to go to church, dear? The bells haven't stopped
yet.'

The elder sisters were not quite regular in their church-going. When
weather or lassitude kept them at home on Sunday morning they read