But, oh, what a troubled face! What is it then ?" She put up her forefinger and smoothed her sister's brow with it.
Clara pulled up a stool, and sitting down beside her sister, passed her arm round her waist.

"I am so sorry to trouble you, dear Ida," she said.
"But I do not know what to do.
"There's nothing the matter with Harold ?" "Oh, no, Ida." "Nor with my Charles ?" "No, no." Ida gave a sigh of relief.

"You quite frightened me, dear," said she.
"You can't think how solemn you look.

What is it, then ?" "I believe that papa intends to ask Mrs.Westmacott to marry him." Ida burst out laughing.

"What can have put such a notion into your head, Clara ?" "It is only too true, Ida.