"What is it, Amarilly?" he asked gently. "You will tell me, _nicht wahr_?" These two last words were in deference to her new study of German. At the genuine sympathy in his voice, Amarilly's composure gave way and there was a rush of tears. He led her to a divan and sat beside her. "Yes, of course you will tell me, Amarilly. I knew there was an emotional side to my practical, little maid, and I noticed at breakfast that there was something wrong." "Yes," she replied, with an effort, wiping away the rising tears, "I will tell you, but no one else. If I told Mr. Vedder, he would not understand; he would say I must do what was sensible. If I told Mr. St. John, he would be shocked, and tell me that duty was hard, and that was why it must be done,--to strengthen. Mrs. St. John would laugh, and say: 'Oh, what a foolish Amarilly!'" "And what will I say, Amarilly?" he asked interestedly. "You! Oh, you will understand what I feel, and you will be sorry." "Then spin away, Amarilly. You'll have my sympathy and help in everything that makes you feel bad, whether it's right or wrong." "Oh, Mr. Derry, we are all going away--way off to the country--to live on a farm!" "Amarilly, you little city brat! You'd be a misfit on a farm. Tell me what has sent the Jenkins family into the open." Faithfully Amarilly enumerated the pros and cons of the agricultural venture. When she had concluded her narrative, Derry, to her surprise and sorrow, looked positively jubilant. "And you don't want to live in the country, eh, Amarilly?" "No, Mr. Derry," she protested. "I don't. I have never been there, but I know the woods and the fields and--all that--must be beautiful--in patches--but I couldn't bear it all the time--not to see all the bright and white lights at night and the hurry, and the people, and the theatres. No! I'd rather be the poorest little speck here than to own and live on the biggest farm in the world." He laughed delightedly. "Oh, Amarilly, you little gamin! You have the right idea, though. We don't want anything, however perfect it may be, all the time. We want it just 'in patches'--as you say. You'll love the country with your whole heart and soul when you come to see it if you know that you can leave it. But this is a big change in your affairs, and we must talk it over. We'll go to Carter's again for luncheon. Take off your apron and cap. You won't have to fix your hair this time. It's even more beautiful than it was then. Your frock, if it is cheap and plain, is artistic in cut and color." Amarilly felt cheered in spite of herself at his exuberant manner, but burst into tears when on leaving the studio he casually remarked: "So this is almost the last of your work here! I can never hope to get such another housekeeper as you. I shall have to eat out again." At sight of her grief he took hold of her arm almost roughly.