“Well, you know what you say has more effect on her than what I say. If you would just tell her to leave things to me as they have been, and not go and bother Katy with a lot of counter orders and that sort of thing. It’s pretty hard, John, for me to look after everything and then be interfered with all the time.” John stood twirling the charm on his watch fob. When he spoke his voice showed embarrassment. “I think, Nannie, that--that is--that it would be better--if you didn’t try to--to take things out of Lucy’s hands so much.” Mrs. Merwent’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, John, how can you say such a thing when I try so hard, and all I do is for her sake? I’ve never considered myself at all.” “I know you haven’t, Nannie,” acceded John miserably, “but I’m--I’m in a hard place. I wish you and Lucy didn’t have to--to disagree so much. I’m almost at my wits’ end.” Nannie studied his perplexed face. Suddenly she seemed to decide something. “All right, John. I’ll do anything you say,” she promised, wiping her eyes. “I would do _anything_ for you, John. You have been so good to me.” John remained in an attitude of thought. “Just try your best to get along without any friction, Nannie,” he begged. “I know it’s hard for you sometimes. Lucy’s peculiar about some things. But I’m about to go dippy with matters as they are, and I want you to help me out.” “Poor John! Of course I will. If I had my way you would never have a care or a worry.” “Thank you, Nannie. I knew you would help me all you could. Lucy is in a terribly nervous state and we’ve got to get her out of this silly notion that--that--well, that she’s left out--or she’ll do something foolish.” “I understand, John. Lucy has always been curious and babyish, but now----” She paused expressively. “There has been so much tragedy in my life, John, and now to see you going through the same thing!” “I guess you never had anybody to help you out, Nannie.” John’s voice was almost inaudible. “John----” “Yes, Nannie. I’ve got to be going, you know.” He moved toward the door. Nannie linked and unlinked her fingers. “We do sympathize with and understand each other, John! You know I told you I got another letter from Professor Walsh.” “Well?” “Oh, John, if it were anyone but you I would rather die than ask money of them--but the check didn’t come--and----Oh, John, what shall I do?” She began to cry. “How much do you want, Nannie?” “Just a little, John. But Lucy always misunderstands things--and I have no one else to go to!” He took a bill from his pocket and pressed it into her hand. “But, John!” she protested, glancing at the denomination of the money. “Cut that out, Nannie!” John’s voice was gruff with emotion. “Some things may happen that I can’t help, but just remember, first, last, and always, that what belongs to me and Lucy belongs to you too, and if she----” He broke off abruptly and strode into the hall.