"Yes, dear, and as you say, I have dyed my hair." "But why, Mrs.Conway?
It was such a pretty color before." "And it will be again some day, I hope, for I am not going to dye it any more." "I am glad of that," Mabel said frankly; "for you look quite different somehow.

But why did you do it?
and why--Is there anything the matter, Mrs.Conway," she broke off suddenly, "that you come here without being expected, and are wearing one of mamma's dresses, and have dyed your hair, and look so different altogether?
Have you heard anything about Ralph ?" "You will hear all about it presently, Mabel," Mr.Withers, who had just come into the room, said.

"You owe a great debt of gratitude to Mrs.Conway, as you will hear presently; for she has for six months been working in the interest of Ralph and you.

Now, don't open your eyes so wide, but sit down to the table.

After we have had breakfast Mrs.Conway will tell us all about it." "By the way, Mrs.Conway, have you heard the news ?" "What news, Mrs.Withers ?" "In the newspaper I got yesterday evening it was said that a despatch had just been received from the Duke of Wellington saying he had news that Bonaparte was advancing, and that he had just issued orders for the troops to march forward to support the Prussians, who were likely to be first attacked." "No, I had heard nothing about it," Mrs.Conway said, turning pale.
"Then there is going to be a battle, and Ralph will be engaged." "You must not alarm yourself," the vicar said.