Following her, Nancy stumbled up the long stairs and down an upper hall to a door where Miss Sabrina stopped. "This is the guest room," she explained, as she opened the door. Someone had opened one of the blinds so here there was more light. Nancy, looking about, thought that it was the most dreadfully tidy room she had ever seen. It had a starched look--the heavy lace curtains at the window were so stiff that they could have stood quite alone without pole or ring; the stiff-backed cushioned chairs were covered with stiff linen "tidies," edged with stiff lace; the bureau and washstand were likewise protected and a newly starched and ruffled strip, of a sister pattern, protected the wall behind the bowl. "I think you'll find it comfortable--here. There is a pleasant land breeze at night and it is quiet," Miss Sabrina was saying. "_Quiet_!" thought Nancy. Was there any noise anywhere on the whole Island? She gave herself a little mental shake. She must say _something_ to this very tall, very stately woman--she was uncomfortably conscious that a pair of cold gray eyes was closely scrutinizing her. "Oh, I shall love it," she cried with an enthusiasm she did not feel. "And it is so nice in you--to want me!" The gray eyes kindled for a moment. "I wanted you to know us--and to know Happy House. In spite of all that has happened you _are_ a Leavitt and I felt that it was wrong that you should have grown up to womanhood out of touch with the traditions of your forefathers. We are one of the oldest families on this Island--Leavitts have always been foremost in making the history of the state from the days when they fought side by side with Ethan Allen. Any one of them would have laid down his life for the honor of his name and his country. You will want to wash, Anne--the roads are dusty. And no family in all Vermont is held in higher esteem than the Leavitts since the first Leavitt came down from Montreal and settled here in the wilderness. Put on a cooler dress, if you wish, and then come down to the dining-room. We always eat dinner at twelve-thirty, but B'lindy has kept something warm. Yes, if you are a true Leavitt you will soon grow to revere the family pride and honor for which we Leavitts live!" And with stately steps, as measured as her words, Miss Sabrina withdrew from the room. "_Whe-w_! Can you just _beat_ it!" Nancy flung at the closed door. She turned a complete circle, taking in with one sweeping glance the heavy walnut furniture, dark and uninviting against the ugly wallpaper and the equally ugly though spotlessly clean carpet; then threw out both hands despairingly. "Well, Nancy, you _are_ in for it--forefathers and everything--family pride and honor!" she finished with a groan. "So be a sport!" And taking herself thus sternly in hand she went to the wash bowl and fell to scrubbing off the dust as Miss Sabrina had bidden her.