Nannie delayed many minutes, and Lucy became more and more self-conscious under the influence of her grandmother’s continued scrutiny and the confusion of the new acquaintance, answering briefly his timid observations and Mrs. Lockhart’s peremptory questions. At last Nannie appeared on the stairs in her best afternoon frock. “Why, Mamma,” she exclaimed, “how nice of you! I’m so glad to see you.” “You kept us waiting long enough if you _are_ glad.” “I was in my bath,” lied Nannie, “and couldn’t come sooner.” Lucy looked at her mother. “Well, I’m glad you still take baths,” remarked Mrs. Lockhart as Nannie kissed her. Nannie laughed. “We’re not that poor,” she tittered. “This is Mr. Kingsley Dodd.” Mrs. Lockhart motioned her companion forward again. “Judge Dodd’s only son. You remember Judge Dodd, Nannie.” “Yes indeed!” Nannie smiled her sweetest and shook hands with Kingsley. “We’re delighted to know you, too,” she declared as she beamed on the youth. “Nannie, I want to see that old dresser your father gave you. We’re furnishing a guest room in antiques and maybe it will just fit in. If it does, I’ll give you another,” said Mrs. Lockhart after a brief conversation. “But, Mamma----” Nannie began. Mrs. Lockhart frowned at her meaningly. “All right,” Nannie acquiesced hastily, and the two women ascended the stairs. “Young Kingsley is greatly taken with Lucy,” explained Mrs. Lockhart, coming to the point at once as soon as they were out of hearing of Lucy and her guest. “You know all Judge Dodd’s money will go to Kingsley. It’s Lucy’s great chance. I don’t know how she did it. He’s just come back from college and all the girls in town have set their caps for him. Now I am going to look to you to see that Lucy doesn’t do anything foolish.” Nannie nodded obediently. “I’ll do all I can,” she agreed, “but Lucy is hard to manage. She----”. “Nonsense!” interrupted Mrs. Lockhart. “If you will only use sense and firmness she will do anything you want her to. You made a mess of your own marriage. If you marry your daughter to the heir of Judge Dodd it isn’t too late to get back where you ought to be.” “I will,” put in Nannie enthusiastically. “Well, let’s go down again,” ordered her mother, after a few minutes further consultation. “We shouldn’t make things too marked the first visit.” “We must go, Kingsley.” Mrs. Lockhart spoke imperatively as she reëntered the room where the two young people were seated. The docile youth rose. “You must come again.” Nannie smiled invitingly. “Thank you,” he replied, glancing first at her and then at Lucy. “I’ve had a mighty nice time. What evening can I come?” He glanced at Lucy again. “You haven’t anything for Thursday evening, have you, Lucy?” inquired Nannie, assisting him. “No,” returned Lucy, who indeed had no engagements for any evening. “Thanks,” Dodd said quickly, “then I’ll come Thursday.” “Come early and have tea with us,” urged Nannie in response to a nod from her mother.