nd everybody was at ease,
when lo! down on us like a thunderbolt came the telegram from Mr.
Conrad. Thinking it might require to be repeated, I took the
liberty of opening it, and then we were in a plight, I assure you.

"What on earth was he to think of our leaving the house when he was
on the point of arriving? And, above all, how were we to support
the disappointment of missing him--some of us, the women
especially, and myself in particular, being just crazy to see him
again?

"This nearly broke down our plans altogether, but once more I came
to the rescue by remembering that Mr. Conrad was not coming to see
us but you, and that the very kindest thing we could do for a
serious person of his kind would be to take our racketty presence
out of the way.

"That contented everybody except my mother, who--would you believe
it?--had gotten some prudish notions into her head about the
impropriety of leaving you alone, and declared her intention of
staying behind to keep you in countenance! We soon laughed her out
of that, though, and now, to relieve you of her company, we are
carrying her away with us--which will be lots of fun, for she's as
fond of water as a cat and will fancy she is seasick all the time.

"Good-bye, dearest! We're just off. I envy you. You happy, happy
girl! I am sure you will have such a good time. What a man! As
natural as nature! I see, by the insular paper that your islanders
adore him.

"Hope you found your father better. Another wonderful man! Such an
original type, too! Good-bye, my dearest dear_, ALMA.

"_P.S. Have missed you so much, darling! Castle Raa wasn't the same
place without you--I assure you it wasn't_."

While I was turning this letter over in my hand, wondering what the
beautiful fiend had meant by it, my maid, who was standing by, was
visibly burning with a desire to know its contents and give me the
benefit of her own interpretation.

I told her in general what Alma had said and she burst into little
screams of indignation.

"Well, the huzzy! The wicked huzzy! That's all she is, my lady, begging
your pardon, and there's no other name for her. Arranged a month ago,
indeed! It was never thought of until last night after Mr. Conrad's
telegram came."

"Then what does it mean?"

"I can tell your ladyship what it means, if you'll promise n