At that moment Miss Morton appeared, dressed for the train. She walked on to the veranda, entirely forgetful of the injured foot. Her face was very red indeed, her expression neither lily-like nor ecclesiastic. "I suppose she has told you her version of the story," she said angrily. "Mrs. Paxton tells me that you are angry, but I could have seen that for myself." "I want to speak to you alone." "I prefer that we should talk here." "I certainly shall not talk before a woman who has insulted me. She called me a savage!" "Did I?" said Jane, lifting her head in surprise. "Do I understand that you are going to town?" Jerry asked. "Yes. You will have to go with me. I can't manage alone, with this foot." "You seem to be doing very well. I'll put you on the train and wire for them to meet you. I'm sorry, but it is impossible for me to go to town this afternoon." Bobs sauntered up. "Hello. Why, what's happened to the invalid?" "I'm going to town," snapped Althea. "Are you? What a pity! We shall miss you! You have added such a feminine touch to Jerry's harem." "I can imagine how much you will miss me, Miss Roberts." "Oh, I was referring to Jerry. I used the editorial 'we.' Your foot seems to be all right. Such wonderful air, here. Going to town, too, Jerry?" "No." "Ah, that is good news. Life is dull without the men, is it not?" No one answered this. Jerry was driven to asking about her bags. "The Biggs child carried them down." "What a treasure is our Billy," said Bobs. "Considering his adenoids, he almost thinks. Fancy his carrying down bags; so sweetly thoughtful." "Here is the cab," said Jerry, desperately, as it rattled up. "Do I have to ride two miles in that?" gasped Althea. "Why not walk? The roads are not very muddy," Bobs said. "Good-bye, Miss Morton," Jane remarked casually. Althea nodded, in silence, but Bobs seized her hand and wrung it feverishly. "Good-bye. You've given us all _such_ a good time," she cried wickedly. Jerry fairly pushed Althea into the surrey to cut short this painful interview. They rattled off down the road. Bobs did a war dance with whoops, which were plainly heard by the departing ones. Jane laughed. "Bobs, you were wicked." "How did this luck befall us, Jane?" "I stood all I thought necessary from the lady, and then I rose and smote. I disliked doing it in my own house, but it had to be done. She got up in a rage and walked upstairs." "After being carried down this morning by gentle Jerry! Thank the Lord you've got a temper, Jane." "Poor Jerry; it made it difficult for him." "Poor Jerry nothing! He's as glad to see her go as we are. He's had enough of her, Jane." "That was my plan." "You mean you stood for her, just so that he would get too much." "It was only to-day that I found out he had had enough." "Jane Judd Paxton, you female Machiavelli!" "It would end in 'a' in the feminine, wouldn't it?" Jane laughed. "You're a wise woman. I dote on your sagacity."