Miss Hamilton had been sitting in a low cushioned chair by the fire; a small table with a lamp and some books was beside her; a Persian kitten lay on the white rug.

On a stand beside a chair was a large, beautifully-painted photograph in a carved frame; the folding doors were open, and a vase of flowers stood before it.
'What has put this benevolent idea into your head ?' she asked, as she drew forward a comfortable wicker chair with a soft padded seat.

'I thought I had a long, dull evening before me, with no resource but my own thoughts, for I was tired of reading.

I could scarcely believe Chatty when she said that you were in the drawing-room.' I told Miss Hamilton of Lady Betty's visit, and she laughed quite merrily.
'Good little Betty! She is always trying to give me pleasure.

She wanted to stay with me herself, only Etta said it was no use for two people to stop away from church.