John frowned. “Dimmie, kiss Nannie. What makes you act that way?” “Don’t, John,” expostulated Mrs. Merwent. “It’s because I’m strange. He’ll be all right bye-and-bye.” Then, to the child, “Won’t you, Jimmie?” Dimmie continued to cling to his mother’s hand and did not reply. “Dimmie,” ordered John sternly, “answer Nannie.” “Now, John,” put in Mrs. Merwent again, “let the poor child be. It’s such a trifle.” “I’ll show you to your room now, Mamma,” Lucy offered quietly. Mrs. Merwent glanced questioningly at John and then followed her daughter. Dimmie accompanied them, still holding his mother’s hand. “You sure did it up in style,” Jim remarked as the two women mounted the stairs. “Yes,” admitted John. “It seemed so mean to bring her in the train after such a long trip. You know she’s been used to all sorts of things--comforts I mean.” Jim relighted his pipe in silence. The men smoked and discussed their new contract until the women reappeared. Both avoided any further reference to the addition to their circle. When Lucy and her mother came down, the elder woman was tastefully arrayed in a charming house dress of some pale green sheer material that was a miracle in its sophisticated simplicity. John expressed his admiration and Mrs. Merwent gave a silvery laugh. “Oh, this! It’s an old easy dress I wear around the house. Mr. Sprague will have to get used to seeing me in such things. I hear he’s quite one of the family.” Jim, who had been watching Lucy as she passed to and fro from the kitchen, answered, “I’m sure it’s very becoming, Mrs. Merwent.” Nannie made a little _moue_ at John while Jim continued: “We’d better get down town, John. You know Howland is coming at ten o’clock to look over the final plans for his house and sign the papers, and you especially wanted to talk to him about that decoration scheme of yours.” “Do you think my trunks are safe with that express company, John?” interrupted Mrs. Merwent. “Why, yes, perfectly, Nannie. They’ll probably be here before night.” “Well, would you mind going to the express office and asking if they’ve been sent? I’m so worried about them.” “Sure. I’ll call them up as soon as I get to the office,” agreed John heartily. Nannie sighed a trifle resignedly. * * * * * When the two men were seated in a car of the train bound for the city John commented enthusiastically on the incidents of Mrs. Merwent’s arrival. “I’m glad the strained feeling is over with. It’ll be fine for Lucy to have her mother with her,” he said. Jim did not answer. “Mrs. Merwent’s all alone now,” pursued John. “She’s been very badly treated. A woman needs a man to look after her.” For reply Jim grunted. III Mrs. Merwent had watched John and Jim until they turned the corner. When they were out of sight she came and sat by the kitchen table where Lucy was washing the breakfast dishes. “Let me help you, dear,” Nannie offered.