"Then I wouldn't try, Miss Bascom. Don't give the matter a single thought. We were glad to do what we could for your father, and we made him as comfortable as we could." Virginia's heart was quite atrophied, and so with choking voice she began: "And I'm afraid that I have not been very civil to you--in fact, I am sure that I owe you an apology----" "No, never mind. It's all right now. Suppose you take off your things and stay to supper with us. Then we can have a real good visit, and you will see how well we dwellers in tents can live!" Virginia winced; but for some reason which she could not understand she found it quite impossible to decline the invitation. "I'm sure you are very kind, Mrs. Maxwell; but I'm afraid I shall inconvenience you." "Oh no, not a bit. Now will you be a real good Samaritan and help me a little, as I have no maid? You might set the table if you don't mind, and when Donald comes we shall be ready for him. This is really quite jolly," she added, bustling about, showing Virginia where to find things. "I am afraid," Virginia began with something like a sob in her voice, "that you are heaping coals of fire on my head." "Oh no; not when coal is over seven dollars a ton. We couldn't afford such extravagant hospitality as that. You might arrange those carnations in the vase if you will, while I attend to the cooking. You will find the china, and the silver, in that chest. I won't apologize for the primitive character of our entertainment because you see when we came down here we stored most of our things in Mrs. Burke's barn. It is awfully nice to have somebody with me; I am so much alone; you came just in time to save me from the blues." When Mrs. Betty disappeared in the "kitchen," and Virginia began the task assigned her, a very queer and not altogether pleasant sensation filled her heart. Was it remorse, or penitence, or self-reproach, or indigestion? She could not be absolutely sure about it, but concluded that perhaps it was a combination of all four. When Donald returned, and discovered Virginia trying to decide whether they would need two spoons or three at each plate, for an instant he was too astonished to speak; but quickly regaining his easy manner, he welcomed her no less cordially than Mrs. Betty had done, remarking: "Well, this is a treat; and so you are going to have supper with us? That will be a great pleasure." Virginia almost collapsed in momentary embarrassment, and could think of nothing better than to ask: "I am not sure what Mrs. Maxwell is going to have for supper, and I really don't know whether to place two spoons or three. What would you advise, Mr. Maxwell?" Maxwell scowled seriously, rubbed his chin and replied: