Ancient, indeed! One could not believe that so short a time had passed since Miss Derrick first entered the portals.

Only one more day.
'Oh, blindness to the future, kindly given, That each may fill the circle marked by Heaven.' At school, Emmeline had learnt and recited these lines; but it was long since they had recurred to her memory.
In ten minutes Louise had written her letter.

She went out, returned, and looked in at the drawing-room, with a pleasant smile.
'Good-night, Mrs.Mumford.' 'Good-night, Miss Derrick.' For the grace of the thing, Emmeline would have liked to say 'Louise,' but could not bring her lips to utter the name.
About a year ago there had been a little misunderstanding between Mr.and Mrs.Mumford, which lasted for some twenty-four hours, during which they had nothing to say to each other.

To-night they found themselves in a similar situation, and remembered that last difference, and wondered, both of them, at the harmony of their married life.

It was in truth wonderful enough; twelve months without a shadow of ill-feeling between them.