So I waited there in the darkness with patience born of many hours of like duty.
Presently the small lamp was lit--I could tell the difference in light when the big one was burning--and I heard the swish of skirts.
"Something's happened, surely, Sally," I heard Miss Sampson say anxiously.

"Papa just met me in the hall and didn't speak.

He seemed pale, worried." "Cousin George looked like a thundercloud," said Sally.

"For once, he didn't try to kiss me.

Something's happened.