“I know you spoiled my chances once and you are not going to spoil them again. You've got to leave Miss Connie alone. You've got to promise me--” “I promise you nothing.” They had reached the hitching block and Donald got out of the buggy and, not waiting for his companion, went up the walk to the house. The peace of the old place wrapped him round like the folds of a warm garment He forgot Noah, and the pursuing troubles; he forgot everything except that Thornwood, with all its memories and traditions, was for the present his, held in sacred trust until that time when he could give it back to the one who loved it best. “Why, it's Cousin Don!” cried Connie who had heard the wheels and come to investigate. “I never was so glad to see anybody in my life. I thought it was Mr. Wicker!” “Cheer up! He's hitching his horse at the block now.” “How tiresome! I thought we left him in town yesterday. I don't believe you are a bit glad to have us for a neighbor. Why didn't you come over last night? I haven't seen you for four days!” “You haven't missed anything, Connie. I've been down and out.” “Everybody has! It's too stupid for words. Since the trial and the bank failure I haven't been able to get a smile out of anybody! I hope the Turtle won't be grumpy.” “Who is the Turtle?” “Mr. Wicker. Hat calls him that, because he never lets go 'til it thunders. Aren't you coming in the parlor?” “No, I'll give Wick the field to-night. I want to see your Father on business.” “That sounds interesting!” said Connie audaciously. “You might have spoken to me first!” The Doctor was preparing to go up to bed when Donald entered the sitting-room, but he put down his candle and greeted him warmly. “A phenix rising from his ashes!” he said. “I am glad to see that you have survived the trials of the past ten days. It is very kind of you to come over in the midst of your trouble to welcome us to our new quarters. You are not going to leave us, my dear?” this to Miss Lady who had risen at Donald's entrance. “I was going to get your beef-tea.” “Oh, to be sure. I can't begin to tell you, Donald, how much I regret the decision in your case. How did it happen?” Donald, whose hungry eyes were devouring every familiar detail of the homely fire-lit room, shrugged his shoulders. “Eleven jury-men were for acquittal, I am told, and the twelfth, a fellow named Jock Hibben talked them over.” “Jock Hibben? I know the man. A radical Socialist who has been giving us some trouble at the university. Quite an orator, I believe, but a fanatic. You have made a motion for a new trial?” “It has been refused.” “Indeed! And you appeal it, of course?” “Yes.” “The decision is bound to be reversed,” the Doctor assured him, “and the second trial will go in your favor. I have never doubted the ultimate outcome. What is that scratching noise?” Miss Lady, who was just entering, paused to listen, then she suddenly set the cup she carried on the table, and flung open the door.