Just before the callers left she said, with the conventional solemn drop of the voice, "Mr.Wheeler, won't you offer a prayer before you go ?" The minister was an elderly man with a dull benignity of manner; he had not said much; his wife, who was portly and full of gracious volubility, had done most of the talking.

Now she immediately sank down upon her knees with a wide flare of her skirts, and her husband then twisted himself out of his chair, clearing his throat impressively.

Mrs.Field stood up, and got down on her stiff knees with an effort.

Lois slid down from the sofa and went out of the room.

She stole through her mother's into her own bedroom, and locked herself in as usual, then she lay down on her bed.