THE FLAG OF TRUCE It could not be denied that I was extremely tired as I walked down the dark road; but in spite of fatigue my heart felt lighter than it had done since Charlie's death, and the warm glow from the window of my little parlour seemed to welcome me, it looked so snug and bright.

My low chair was drawn to the fire, a sort of tea-supper was awaiting me, and Mrs.
Barton came out of the kitchen as soon as I had lifted the latch, to ask what she could do for me.
The first words surprised me greatly.

Mr.Hamilton had called late in the afternoon, and had seemed somewhat surprised to hear I was still at the cottage, but he had left no message, and Mrs.Barton had no idea what he wanted with me.
I was half inclined to think that he had another case ready for me, but I had done my day's work and refused to think of the morrow.

The first volume of _Kingsley's Life_ was lying on the little table: I had brought it from the vicarage the preceding evening.

I passed a delicious hour in my luxurious chair, and went to bed reluctantly that I might be fit for the next day's fatigue.
As soon as I had breakfasted the next morning and read my letters, a chatty one from Sara and an affectionate note from Lesbia, I went down to the cottage.
I found my patient a little easier; she had passed a better night, and seemed, on the whole, more cheerful.