the midnight sun
One March morning , as Edna entered the breakfast-room , she saw unusual gravity printed on Mrs. Murray 's face ; and observing an open letter on the table conjectured the cause of her changed countenance . A moment after the master came in , and as he seated himself his mother said : `` St. Elmo , your cousin Estelle 's letter contains bad news . Her father is dead ; the estate is wretchedly insolvent ; and she is coming to reside with us . '' `` Then I am off for Hammerfest and the midnight sun ! Who the deuce invited her I should like to know ? '' `` Remember she is my sister 's child ; she has no other home , and I am sure it is very natural that she should come to me , her nearest relative , for sympathy and protection . '' `` Write to her by return mail that you will gladly allow her three thousand a year , provided she ensconces herself under some other roof than this . ''