As Katy brought in the dessert Nannie whispered to John, “I made the pudding.” “It’s fine,” John whispered back. When they rose Mrs. Merwent and John went into the living room at once, and sat without a light talking in low tones. “Did you notice how strangely Lucy acts even with Mr. Sprague?” Nannie glanced toward the door as she spoke. “He’s enough to make anybody act strangely,” was John’s irritated response. “He is, John, dear, and you were so wonderfully patient with him. But Lucy is sick. There’s no doubt about that. Mentally sick, I mean. Oh, John, I do so want to help you out of this terrible situation!” He pressed her hand. “You help me every time you breathe, God knows, Nannie,” he asserted feelingly. Lucy and Jim were silent in the dining room. Contrary to his custom, Jim was not smoking. “Lucy, are you offended with me?” he asked at length. “No, Jim,” was the reply. “What’s the matter?” Tears started to Lucy’s eyes and she shook her head. “I can’t tell you, Jim,” she said in a low tone, after a pause. Jim’s eyes were deep as he watched her pale face and quivering lips. “I would do anything, Lucy, anything--to help you.” “Thank you, Jim. I know you would.” “Won’t you let me try?” he began. She shook her head. “No, Jim. It’s no use. Nobody can help anybody. I--I----” The tears stood in her eyes again. “Lucy,” Jim’s voice was tense, “if you knew how much I--prize your friendship--how much I----” “Don’t--Jim----” She spoke under her breath. Nothing was said by either for several minutes. The murmur of John’s and Nannie’s voices continued in the living room. “I’m going.” Jim rose and held out his hand. Lucy placed hers in it. His clasp was warmer and longer than it had ever been before. “Lucy, if you need me--that is if I----” His voice trembled but his eyes sought hers insistently. “If you need me,” he repeated, and paused. “Thank you, Jim.” “Tell Dimmie good-bye for me.” He went out without saying good night to John and Nannie. Lucy did not go to the door with him. “Excuse me,” Mrs. Merwent called from the living room after a time. “I’m coming in.” She did not show herself immediately. Lucy made no reply, and Nannie approached the door and looked in. “Why, where is Mr. Sprague?” she inquired. “He has gone home.” Lucy’s expression was hostile. “And if he were here, you need not insult us both by warning us that you were coming.” “Why, Lucy, I only thought----” “You only thought something vile, as usual,” Lucy interrupted. “What right have you got to say such a thing as that to me?” “You have given me the right to say far worse things to you. You are not in a position to defend yourself from anything I care to say.” Lucy’s tone was hard. Nannie could not meet her daughter’s eyes. “What do you mean by that?” demanded Mrs. Merwent angrily. “You know very well what I mean,” declared Lucy evenly, rising and starting toward the hall. John appeared on the threshold. “Where’s Jim?” he questioned.