While the others laughed and joked Agatha mused.

They had commonplace aims and duties that brought them happiness; but she had been given a harder task.

Still it was a task that could not be shirked; she had accepted it and must carry it out.
Some time after supper Mrs.Farnam went away, and Farnam presently made an excuse for following his wife.

When they had gone George remarked: "I must pull out to-morrow, but Florence sends a message.

She wants you to stop with us for two or three months." "Florence is kind," said Agatha.