But as the mantel clock struck wheezily six there was the rattle of an outer door, and a rich and beautiful peal of laughter went ringing through the house.

Thus cheerfully did Mary Vertrees herald her return with her mother from their expedition among the barbarians.
She came rushing into the library and threw herself into a deep chair by the hearth, laughing so uncontrollably that tears were in her eyes.

Mrs.
Vertrees followed decorously, no mirth about her; on the contrary, she looked vaguely disturbed, as if she had eaten something not quite certain to agree with her, and regretted it.
"Papa! Oh, oh!" And Miss Vertrees was fain to apply a handkerchief upon her eyes.

"I'm SO glad you made us go! I wouldn't have missed it--" Mrs.Vertrees shook her head.

"I suppose I'm very dull," she said, gently.