and asked softly,--

"Have you heard?"

"Yes," in the same tone; "Miss Zeba told me. You did not write to
auntie?"

"I could not--yet."

There was a little pause, which was broken by an outburst from the other
side of the room, where the children were supposed to be studying.

"I tell you 'tis too, Morton Olmstead. I'll ask Sara, now!"

"Well, Molly, what is it?" she turned to ask.

"Isn't it right to say 'seven and six _are_ twelve?" Morton says it
isn't."

"Why, certainly," began Sara obliviously, when the guest interposed,--

"How'll seven and _five_ do, Molly? Perhaps that will suit Morton
better."

Molly tossed her head at her grinning brother, pouting an instant, then
broke into a giggle, as she caught the full force of the sell, and went
on with her sums, while Sara remarked,--

"I am not quick at such things, Mr. Glendenning. I wish I were! You
spoke of going West just now; do you go soon?"