having fruitlessly investigated everything that had been left unlocked, and shaken every door, box, or wardrobe that was securely fastened, they turned to make their way to the morning room, a little disappointed at their fruitless search.
Unfortunately, just as they were passing through, Prudence returned home, and meeting them on the threshold, at once divined that they had been investigating in her absence. They noted her frightened face, and the look of relief that crossed it at the recollection that after all there was nothing to find. The medical lady thought it best to carry off their proceedings with a high hand.
"Dear, dear!" she said, laughing; "don't look so startled, Miss Semaphore. We thought that as we saw or heard nothing of you at tea, we had better see you or your sister, and enquire if we could be of use to her in your absence; but you were both out."
"Yes," said Prudence, breathlessly, "we were both out; and I must, say, Miss Lord, I consider it a great liberty for you and Mrs. Whitley to have entered my room and my sister's under the circumstances."
"Highty toity," responded the medical
