As Laura considered the prospect she realised her blunder.

“Why, and oh, why,” she murmured, “didn’t we stay at the hotel till all this was straightened out?”

But in an adjoining room she heard Aunt Wess’ stirring. She turned to Page, who upon the pillows beside her still slept, her stocking around her neck as a guarantee against draughts.

“Page, Page! Wake up, girlie. It’s late, and there’s worlds to do.”

Page woke blinking.

“Oh, it’s freezing cold, Laura. Let’s light the oil stove and stay in bed till the room gets warm. Oh, dear, aren’t you sleepy, and, oh, wasn’t last night lovely? Which one of us will get up to light the stove? We’ll count for it. Lie down, sissie, dear,” she begged, “you’re letting all the cold air in.”