Women have very little common sense, after all.' I extinguished the lamp hastily, for of course Mr.Hamilton's growl was meant for me, though it was addressed to Nathaniel.

I heard him close the door a moment afterwards, and Nathaniel crept back into the kitchen.

I woke rather tired the next day, and owned he was right, for I found my duties somewhat irksome that morning.

The feeling did not pass off, and I actually discovered that I was dreading my visit to Phoebe, only of course I scouted it as nonsense.
Miss Locke was out, and Kitty opened the door.

Her demure little face brightened when she saw me, and especially when I placed a large brown-paper parcel in her arms, of that oblong shape dear to all doll-loving children, and bade her take it into the kitchen.
'It is too dark and cold for you to play outside, Kitty,' I observed, 'so perhaps you will make the acquaintance of the blue-eyed baby I have brought you; when Aunt Susan comes in, you can ask her for some pieces to dress her in, for her paper robe is rather cold.' Kitty's eyes grew wide with surprise and delight as she ran off with her treasure; the baby-doll would be a playmate for the lonely child, and solace those weary hours in the sick-room.