John smiled slightly but kept his eyes on his plate. Neither he nor Lucy replied to the remark. “We thought of coming past your office but we were afraid you might be busy.” “I’ve been very busy today,” said John. “Then I’m glad we didn’t. And John, sometime next month I want you to take me up the lake. Miss Powell says it’s such a lovely trip in the early summer. You will, won’t you?” John fidgeted uncomfortably and Lucy attended assiduously to Dimmie’s wants. “Why--of course,” John agreed after some hesitation. “That is, so far as I know now.” He laughed uneasily and added, “We may all be dead by that time.” Silence hovered over the group once more. “You look frightfully glum, John. I’m almost afraid of you tonight,” observed Mrs. Merwent after some minutes. She, too, laughed rather forcedly as she spoke. “I didn’t know I was glum,” apologized John. “I’m rather tired. I’ve had a hard day.” It was obvious that he talked with an effort. “I’m through,” Dimmie announced with a sigh of satisfaction. “Are you, Son?” Lucy untied his bib. “Yes, and I want you to tell me stories like you promised to.” “All right,” Lucy consented brightly. “Come on. Get down from your chair and kiss Papa good night, and we’ll go upstairs and I’ll tell you ever so many stories till you’re ready to go to bed.” “Will you sing, too?” stipulated Dimmie. “Yes, I’ll sing too,” she promised. “I want to kiss Nannie, too,” Dimmie declared, climbing out of his chair. “Of course you do. You wouldn’t forget Nannie, would you, Jimmie?” Mrs. Merwent put in quickly. “Wait a minute. Wipe your hands first.” “Poor John!” sympathized Nannie as soon as they were alone. “I could see that you were tired before you spoke of it.” “Oh, I’m all right,” exclaimed John irritably, at the same time lighting a cigarette. “I know you never let on, John, but you can always be sure that _I_ understand you, whether anyone else does or not.” John drummed on the table. “Let’s go into the sitting room,” suggested Mrs. Merwent, rising as Katy entered to clear the table. “Shall I sing for you?” She passed into the living room and moved toward the piano. “I don’t believe I’ve got time,” explained John hurriedly. “I’ve got to go out tonight. I ought to catch that next train.” “I’m so sorry,” said Nannie. “I especially wanted to talk some things over tonight. I got another letter from Professor Walsh,” she added significantly. “Talk what things over?” John gave her a quick scrutiny. Mrs. Merwent turned with a surprised air. “Why, about Lucy principally, John, and--and about what ought to be done.” “What about Lucy?” “Well, nothing in particular, but she’s getting all worked up again about the housekeeping, and I thought you might speak to her.” “Why should I speak to her?” John’s manner was combative. Nannie gazed at him reproachfully.