She was extremely busy, for Mrs.Costello, now that she thought no more of returning to the Cottage, had decided to sell it; all their possessions, therefore, had to be divided into three parts, the furniture to be sold with the house, their more personal belongings to go with them, and various books and knickknacks to be left as keepsakes with their friends.

It was generally known now all over Cacouna that Mrs.Costello was going "home," in order that Lucia might be near her relations in case of "anything happening,"-- a thing nobody doubted the probability of, who saw the change made during the last few months in their grave and quiet neighbour.

They were a little vague in their information about these relations, but that was a matter of secondary importance; and as the mother and daughter were really very much liked by their neighbours, they were quite overwhelmed with invitations and visits.
So the days passed on quickly; and for the second time, the one fixed for their journey was close at hand.

One more letter had arrived from Maurice, containing the news of his grandfather's death.

It was short, like the previous one, and almost equally hurried.