CHAPTER I.
HILDEGARDIS GRAHAM.
"And have you decided what is to become of Hilda ?" asked Mrs.Graham.
"Hilda ?" replied her husband, in a tone of surprise, "Hilda?
why, she will go with us, of course.

What else should become of the child?
She will enjoy the trip immensely, I have no doubt." Mrs.Graham sighed and shook her head.

"I fear that is impossible, dear George!" she said.

"To tell the truth, I am a little anxious about Hilda; she is not at all well.

I don't mean that she is actually _ill_," she added quickly, as Mr.Graham looked up in alarm, "but she seems languid and dispirited, has no appetite, and is inclined to be fretful,--an unusual thing for her." "Needs a change!" said Mr.Graham, shortly.