Hilda was home for the holidays; and her piercing eyes took in the situation at a flash.

She appeared to have returned with a new-born and exacting affection for her mother, that astonished almost as much as it delighted the poor lady.

Feeling sudden desire for a walk or a bus ride, or to be taken to an entertainment, no one was of any use to Hilda but her mother.

Daddy had his silly politics to think and talk about.

He must worry them out alone; or with the assistance of Miss Allway.