The lamps were not yet lit, although the gray twilight was fast settling down, and the ruddy coals began to reflect themselves from the polished furniture.

Mrs.Preston was about to light the lamps, when Ella exclaimed: "No, no, mother, don't light the lamps--let's sit in the dark awhile, and then grandmother's stories will seem twice as romantic.

You don't want a light, do you, grandmother ?" "No," said the grandmother, "I can talk just as well in the dark.

But I don't know as I can tell you any very interesting stories.

I can't think of anything now but what you have already heard.