I suppose they won't stay long." Mrs.Preston sailed into the parlor with the air of a city lady, as she proudly imagined, but stopped short in some surprise when she recognized her visitors.

Of course, she did not suspect the nature of their business.
Dr.Townley arose as she entered.
"Good-morning, Mrs.Preston," he said.

"I hope I find you well ?" "I am quite well," said Mrs.Preston, coldly, for she had never liked the doctor.

She had an unpleasant feeling that he understood her, and was not among her admirers.

"Good-morning, Mr.Graves.You come to the city occasionally ?" "I don't often get time to come up, but the doctor thought I ought to come." "Indeed! I am sorry to say that I am just going out." "I must ask you to defer going till we have communicated our business," said the doctor.
"Business ?" repeated Mrs.Preston, seating herself in some surprise.
"Yes--business of importance.