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"I'll wait another five minutes," she said She waited ten; and then

another ten "David," she said, in a s--to dinner You have your dinner, dear little boy

I--don't want any"

She went up-stairs to her own room, and shut and locked the door All

was over

Yet when, in the early afternoon, the ony, for he had written

There were only a dozen lines besides the "Dearest Nelly": "I a out West, rather unexpectedly, on business I ahted at the idea of a

journey--her first I don't know just when I'll get back; not for six

weeks anyhow Probably eight Hope you and your youngster are all

right

"Yours, L P

"Your despatch received We s over the next time I come

to Old Chester"

She passed her hand over her eyes in a bewildered way; for a moment

the words had absolutely no sense Then she read thes? Why, their ; and David, looking at her, shrank away