As for us of this household, we hear but little of what happens in the world beyond.

We are all growing old together." Had it not been for the earnestness with which they were talking, the aunt and niece might have heard a light footfall down the passage.

The door was softly pushed open, and a clear voice asked: "Is Mistress Dowsabel's hot posset ready, Dyson?
she has asked for it more than once." Both women started and turned round, and Cherry uttered a little involuntary cry, whilst the name "Cuthbert" sprang to her lips so fast that she was not sure that she had not uttered it aloud.

Her eyes were fixed upon the face of the dark-eyed girl who had brought the message.
"I will take it at once," said Dyson, hastily lifting it from the fire.

"I crave my lady's pardon for being late with it; but my niece from London has but just arrived, and I was hindered for the moment.
"Cherry, wait here till I return, and then I will speak more with thee." Dyson hurried away with the posset, and the two girls stood gazing at each other, a light of welcome and amaze in both their eyes.
"Cherry! did she call thee Cherry?
and from London, too?
And Kate bath ofttimes said that--Oh, why waste words ?" cried the girl, breaking off quickly.