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It was strange how much better Katy felt when this decision was reached, and Esther, below stairs, raised her finger warningly for the cook to listen as herIt was the first time since her return from Silverton that a sound like that had been heard within the house, and it seemed the precursor of better days At lunch, too, Katy's face was very bright, and Esther was surprised when, later in the day, she was sent for to arrange her ed it since baby died Greatly annoyed, Wilford had been by the smooth bands combed so plainly back, and at the blackness of the dress; but now there was a change, and graceful curls fell about the face, giving it the girlish expression which Wilford liked The somberness of the dark dress was relieved by simple folds of white crape at the throat and wrists, while the handsoift of Wilford's father, added to the style and beauty of the childish figure, which had seldoe At the door there was a ring, and Esther brought a note to Katy, who, recognizing her husband's handwriting, tore it quickly open and read as follows: "DEAR KATY: I have been suddenly called to leave the city on business, which will probably detain ht train, I wish Esther to have my portmanteau ready hatever I , I shall dine with mother, but colad now that she had decided toshe had pleased him wouldthat everything was ready for hiht heart into her carriage, and was driven to No ---- Fifth Avenue

Mrs Cameron was out, the servant said, but was expected every minute with Mr Wilford

"Never mind," Katy answered; "I want to surprise them, so please don't tell the into the library she sat down before the grate, waiting rather i and she heard both Wilford's and Mrs Cameron's voice in the hall

Contrary to her expectations, they did not come into the library, but went instead into the parlor, the door of which was partially ajar, so that every word they said could be distinctly heard where Katy sat It would see a conversation which had been interrupted by their arriving home, for Mrs Ca with her son: "I am truly sorry for you Is she never more cheerful than when I have seen her?"