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 will. She and Mr. Page were very polite. They praised the housekeeping, and the excellent order of every thing, and said there never were better children in the world than John and Dorry and Phil. But, through all, Katy perceived the hidden disapproval; and she couldn't help feeling glad when the visit ended, and they went away.

With their departure, matters went back to their old train, and Katy forgot her disagreeable feelings. Papa seemed a little grave and preoccupied; but doctors often are when they have had cases to think of, and nobody noticed it particularly, or remarked that several letters came from Mrs. Page and nothing was heard of their contents, except that "Cousin Olivia sent her love." So it was a shock, when one day papa called Katy into the study to tell her of a new plan. She knew at once that it was something important when she heard his voice: it sounded so grave. Beside, he said "My daughter,"—a phrase he never used except upon the most impressive occasions.

"My daughter," he began, "I want to talk to you about something which I have been thinking