Little Jack had improved under his care, and Mrs.Muir was growing serene, rested, and eager for Saturday.

Madge shared her impatience, and yet dreaded the hour during which she felt that a glimpse of the future would be revealed.
She had driven out daily with her sister, and familiarized herself with the topography of the region.

Having formed the acquaintance of some pleasant and comparatively active people in the house, she had joined such walking expeditions as they would venture upon.

In rowing the children upon a small lake she also disposed of some of her superabundant vitality and the nervous excitement which anticipation could not fail to produce.

In the evening there was more or less dancing, and her hand was eagerly sought by such of the young men as could obtain the right to ask it.