"Do so by all means," rejoined Mrs. Allison. "She bears the name I
love best in all the world." An expression of deep sadness crept
into her face as she uttered these words, and she looked past her
callers with unseeing eyes. "Good-bye, Mrs. Allison," said Grace,
and the older woman roused herself with a start.

"Good-bye, my dears," she responded. "Be sure to come to me on
Tuesday."

"We'll be here," chorused the three girls. "Take good care of
yourself."

Not a word was spoken until they reached the street.

"Well!" exclaimed Grace. "What do you think of the whole thing?"

"I think there are several people due to get a shock," said Nora
emphatically.

"I am sorry for Jessica," said Anne. "It will be very hard for her
to give Mabel up."

"Then you think--" said Grace, looking at Anne.

"I am reasonably sure," replied Anne quietly, "from what I have
heard and seen to-day that Mabel is no longer motherless."