“Mad at Caleb for one thing,” said Dr. Cheyney, “has been for some time because he couldn’t beg from him all the while. Then he was set on, had a pistol given him, I reckon.” “Eh?” exclaimed the colonel, startled. “Reckon so,” said the doctor mildly; he did not add that in the Commonwealth attorney’s office it was known to be Jacob Eaton’s pistol; “got some fool notion about his sister.” “That’s a pretty bad business,” said Colonel Royall. “Quite so!” agreed the doctor dryly. At that moment the door opened and Diana came in; she was leading a child by the hand, and a dog followed her. Dr. Cheyney took off his spectacles. “I’ll be jiggered!” he said abruptly. Colonel Royall smiled faintly. “She would have her way,” he said apologetically. “I objected, but Diana rules the roost.” Diana’s sad eyes met the doctor’s with a flash of humor. “I shan’t let you stay if you worry him,” she said. The doctor held out his hand to Sammy, but Sammy refused to leave Diana; he clung to her skirts and hid his face in the folds. “Seems to take kindly to you, Diana,” remarked the doctor. She blushed. “He’s friendly enough,” she explained, “if you give him pennies.” “Wants a penny!” said Sammy instantly, his tousled yellow head appearing from Diana’s skirt. Dr. Cheyney explored his pockets and found a new one. “Come and get it,” he said. Sammy moved over slowly and doubtfully, taking two steps backward to one forward every time. “Suspicious, eh?” said the doctor, displaying the penny at a nearer view. Sammy fell upon it and ran back to Diana, clasping it close in his fist. “An embryo financier,” said the colonel, musing, “and the dog isn’t what one would call a prize-winner,” he added. “Caleb took ’em both in,” said the doctor; “he’s made that way. After a while we’ll understand him.” “Some people say that he had good reason to take in the boy,” remarked Colonel Royall without malice. “Father,” said Diana, “I wouldn’t have believed it of you, talking scandal, and he’s our guest!” “That’s right, keep him down, Diana,” said the doctor; “the fact is there’s nothing so cruel as people’s tongues. Now I know Sammy’s father and sometimes I’m tempted, sore tempted, to go and post it by the wayside.” “I wish you would!” said Diana with sudden feeling, “it’s only just to--to Mr. Trench.” “That’s so--she’s right, William,” said her father, half smiling. Dr. Cheyney reflected; his lined old face lost some of its whimsical humor, but it gained in sympathy and strength. “I’ve held my tongue to shield others,” he said at last, “to spare the feelings of a family I love. What would you do about it, David? Do you think it’s right to plaster a scandal on to folks?” Diana glanced quickly at her father, keenly aware of his concealment and that this all must touch him to the quick. The old man looked very old indeed. “I don’t think it’s right to let the thing attach itself to Mr. Trench if you know he’s innocent,” he said at length.