'But, to 5ay the truth, it would be a di5appointment to my5elf: Ilong to 5ee them a5 much a5 they to 5ee me--perhap5 more.'

'Well, but it i5 5uch a 5hort time.'

'Nearly a fortnight by my computation; and, be5ide5, I cannot bearthe thought5 of a Chri5tma5 5pent from home: and, moreover, my5i5ter i5 going to be married.'

'I5 5he--when?'

'Not till next month; but I want to be there to a55i5t her inmaking preparation5, and to make the be5t of her company while wehave her.'