way.

CHAPTER XIII.

JUDY'S ROOM.

An ear that waits to catch
A hand upon the latch.

--DORA GREENWELL.

"Here is a letter from Jasper, Hilda darling," said Aunt Marjorie,
coming into Judy's bedroom two or three days after the events mentioned
in the last chapter. "I know the hand-writing, dear. How strong and
manly it looks. I do love a manly hand, don't you?"

Hilda did not reply. She rose from her seat by Judy's side, and taking
her husband's letter, walked to the window, and, standing with her back
to the light, opened it eagerly. Her face was a little pale and worn,
and her eyes had tired lines under them. No one had noticed any change
in her, however. Judy was fast recovering--each day her spirits rose,
her appetite improved, her strength grew greater. She was to be taken
into Hilda's old boudoir to-day, and Babs was importantly moving the
beloved china animals, arranging flowers, and getting the room ready
for the great event.

Aunt Marjorie, after her usual fashion, fussed over Judy while Hilda
read her letter. It was brief, but somehow it gave the young wife
unexpected hope and pleasure:

"MY DEAREST WIFE:

"Pray forgive me for not writing sooner, but I have been
exceedingly busy since I returned to town, and have dined each
night with Rivers at his club. I send a hasty line now to say
that you can bring Judy back to Philippa Terrace whenever she is
strong enough to be moved, as I have given Shoolbred full
directions with regard to furnishing the spare room, and have
just had a letter from him to say the goods will be delivered
to-day.

"Pray don't tire yourself more than is necessary. And believe
me,

"Your affectionate husband,
"JASPER QUENTYNS."

"Judy," said Hilda--she turned eagerly, the old lovely color mantling
her cheeks, and the brightness of hope filling her eyes. "Isn't Jasper
good, Judy? I have just heard from him--he says the furniture is coming
in for your room to-day. We can go back to town as soon as ever Dr.
Harvey thinks you strong enough to be moved, my pet."

"Which won't be this week," interrupted Aunt Marjorie. "It would be the
sheerest madness. Has Jasper proposed such a thing, Hilda? If so, I can
only say how like a man. In about a fortnight, this dear child may be
the better for change of air.... I have no doubt too that Dr. Harvey
will be ple