"Perhaps she is coming to tell us something." Mrs.Vanstone entered the morning-room as her daughter spoke.

The color was deeper on her cheeks, and the brightness of half-dried tears glistened in her eyes; her step was more hasty, all her movements were quicker than usual.
"I bring news, my dears, which will surprise you," she said, addressing her daughters.

"Your father and I are going to London to-morrow." Magdalen caught her mother by the arm in speechless astonishment.

Miss Garth dropped her work on her lap; even the sedate Norah started to her feet, and amazedly repeated the words, "Going to London!" "Without us ?" added Magdalen.
"Your father and I are going alone," said Mrs.Vanstone.

"Perhaps, for as long as three weeks--but not longer.