"Your mother's poorly." "Oh, then I shall sleep with her to-night ?" exclaimed Ida, forgetting her trouble for the moment in this happy foresight.
"Dessay," returned Mrs.Ledward laconically.
Ida left her still standing in the doorway, and ran stairs.

The chamber she went into--after knocking and receiving permission to enter, according to the rule which had been impressed upon her--was a tolerably-furnished bedroom, which, with its bright fire, tasteful little lamp, white coverlets and general air of fresh orderliness, made a comfortable appearance.

The air was scented, too, with some pleasant odour of a not too pungent kind.

But the table lacked one customary feature; no tea was laid as it was wont to be at this hour.

The child gazed round in surprise.