“Who is also your friend,” supplied Nannie with another sneer. “Yes, she is,” declared Lucy defiantly. “And they all had the decency not to discuss you in your absence,” she finished bitterly. “And I’m not decent!” her mother almost screamed, throwing a cup she held in her hand on the kitchen table. The cup broke into a dozen pieces and Dimmie, who had been listening with open mouth, began to cry from fright. Mrs. Merwent rushed from the kitchen upstairs. Lucy took Dimmie to Mrs. Hamilton’s house. The carry-all arrived as they were approaching. After Stella and Dimmie were safely ensconced in the vehicle Lucy followed Mrs. Hamilton into the house. “You look all tired out, Mrs. Winter,” Lucy’s neighbor observed as they seated themselves in the neat kitchen. The tears started to Lucy’s eyes. “I just felt as if it would do me good to see you, Mrs. Hamilton,” she replied. “How is your mother?” Lucy’s hostess inquired pleasantly, a few moments later. “I’m afraid she thinks I’m never going to get over to see her. She was out when I called after the tea, and I’m just so busy I haven’t time to turn around. I wish she’d do as I said and just run in now and then.” “She’s been going out a good deal. Is little Stella over her cold? She seems quite well again.” Lucy changed the subject quickly, looking uncomfortable. Mrs. Hamilton had risen to open a window and did not hear. “Mrs. Merwent is so wonderfully young looking. You ought to learn her secret, whatever it is, and take care of your nerves, Mrs. Winter.” Mrs. Hamilton smiled sympathetically and patted Lucy’s arm as she spoke. Lucy bit her lip. * * * * * The telephone in the Winter home rang shortly after Lucy’s departure and Nannie came downstairs to answer. A voice asked for Lucy. “Is this Miss Storms?” interrogated Nannie. “Yes.” “Well, this is Mrs. Merwent. If you wish to insult me again in my daughter’s house, please don’t do it over the telephone, Miss Storms. If you want to crow over your cousin’s success in----” Miss Storms had hung up the receiver with a jerk. Nannie, after listening a minute, hung up her receiver also. When Lucy returned Nannie met her in the hall. She smiled nervously into her daughter’s unresponsive eyes. “Where have you been, Lucy?” she began in a conciliatory manner. “I went over to Mrs. Hamilton’s for a few minutes.” “I suppose you felt you needed sympathy, with such a difficult mother,” said Mrs. Merwent in a joking tone. “No, Mother,” Lucy answered a little wearily. “I don’t take my troubles to others.” “Except Mr. Sprague!” Nannie’s tone became quickly caustic. Lucy met her mother’s eyes coldly. “What I meant was that I do not tell my troubles to the neighbors.” “I’m much obliged, I’m sure,” retorted Nannie cuttingly. Lucy moved toward the stairs. “Lucy,” Mrs. Merwent resumed in a voice which showed a desire to propitiate. Lucy ascended the stairs without heeding her.