"Other eyes have seen this also, and the strange fact is buzzing through the town.

I was only waiting until we were alone to tell you that these two ladies whom you saw, arrived at the Allen House in their carriage near about daylight, on the day before yesterday.

But no one knows who they are, or from whence they came.

It is said that they made themselves as completely at home as if they were in their own house; selected the north-west chamber as their sleeping apartment; and ordered the old servants about with an air of authority that subdued them to obedience." "But what of Mrs.Allen ?" I asked, in astonishment at all this.
"The stories about her reception of the strangers do not agree.
According to one, the old lady was all resistance and indignation at this intrusion; according to another, she gave way, passively, as if she were no longer sole mistress of the house." Constance ceased speaking, for there came the usual interruption to our evening _tete-a-tete_--the ringing of my office bell.
"You are wanted up at the Allen House, Doctor, said my boy, coming in from the office a few moments afterwards.
"Who is sick ?" I asked.
"The old lady." "Any thing serious ?" "I don't know, sir.

But I should think there was from the way old Aunty looked.