tory at last! Anna burst into the drawing-room, her
fair hair falling in confusion over her shoulders, a large bundle of
foxgloves in her arms, her cheeks bright with the cool night breeze.

"Oh, aunt!" she exclaimed, "we've had such a lovely, lovely day. Why
didn't you come?"

"You're very late, my dear Anna," said Mrs Forrest, gravely. "I
expected you more than an hour ago."

Anna explained the reason of her delay.

"Alderbury is the most perfect place," she repeated. "Why didn't you
come?"

"It's very unlucky that you should be late," said Mrs Forrest. "Delia
has been over asking for you."

Anna's face fell. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "My grandfather! Is he worse?"

"I don't think so. And from what I learned from Dr Hunt, he is not at
all seriously ill. But he was restless, Delia said, and wanted to see
you to-night."

"To see me," said Anna. She let her flowers fall in a heap on the
ground. "Oh, Aunt Sarah, I wish I had not gone to the picnic!"

"Now, my dear Anna, that is foolish. You shall go to Dornton early
to-morrow, and no doubt you will find Mr Goodwin better. Remember that
there is no cause for anxiety, and though the accident of your being
late was very unfortunate, it could not be avoided."

Aunt Sarah's composed words were reassuring. Probably her grandfather
was not very ill, Anna thought; but oh, why had she gone to the picnic,
and what would Delia say?

These last words were in her mind again next morning, as she arrived at
Number 4 Back Row, and stood waiting to be let in. The little house
looked very sad and silent, as though it knew its master was ill.
Presently the door opened a very little way, and the long, mournful face
of Mrs Cooper appeared. When she saw who it was she put her finger on
her lip, and then said in a loud, hoarse whisper, "I'll call Miss
Delia."

Anna was left outside. She felt frightened. Why did Mrs Cooper look
so grave? Perhaps grandfather was very ill after all!

It seemed ages before the door opened again, and when it did, it was
Delia who stood there. She did not look at all angry, but her face was
very sad.

"He has had a very bad night," she whispered, "but now he is sleeping.
He must not be disturbed. You had better come later."

That was all. The door was gently shut again, and Anna stood outside.
As she turned away, her eyes filled with tears. Yesterday her
grandfather had wanted her, and she had not gone--to-day the door was
shut.