“Well, I'll think it over,” said Miss Susan. Henrietta was happier than she had been for years. She went from Miss Susan happily. If she could have Lem she would have a life-work--an opportunity to redeem what she had done in harm to Freeman, and she would have a shield against Johnnie Alberson, too. Twice that afternoon she spoke to Miss Susan. “I ain't had time to think it over,” Miss Susan told her the first time. The second time Miss Susan said, “Well, I'm inclined. I'm more for than against, but I ain't quite sure yet. It looks like I would be.” For Gay and Carter Bruce Henrietta had no more fears. She was even able to treat Johnnie Alberson with haughty calm when he came home that evening. At supper she questioned Miss Susan with her eyes as that tired but tireless woman waited on the table. “I'm goin' to say 'yes,' if I don't change my mind,” Miss Susan whispered. “You see me before I go to bed.” Henrietta was as happy as a young girl that evening, for she felt sure Miss Susan would give up Lem. She carefully avoided Johnnie Alberson, doing so by putting her arm around Lorna's waist and going across to Gay's. What might happen to Johnnie Alberson she did not care at that moment. “Henrietta,” Lorna said, as they crossed the street, “do you know that Gay has had a letter from Carter Bruce? Carter says he is superintending a divorce. Do you know whose?” “Freeman's,” Henrietta answered. “Yes, I knew that, Lorna.” “Bruce writes that it is settled--that it is all arranged but the simple final details. Henrietta--” “Yes?” “You don't tell me anything about _this_ love affair. Is Johnnie Alberson--has he--I mean--” “He has asked me to marry him, if that is what you mean, Lorna,” Henrietta said, “but if you mean you want to know whether I am going to marry him or not, I'm not. I'm not going to marry any one. I'm going to have Lem. I'm going to make Miss Susan give me Lem, and I'm going to live with Miss Susan, and we will all be as happy as the day is long.” “I think Johnnie likes you awfully well,” Lorna ventured. Henrietta gave Lorna's waist a little squeeze. “I know he does,” she admitted cheerfully, “but I'm Lem's, and Lem is going to be mine.” They found Gay in a tremble of happiness, for Carter Bruce had written other things in his letter than the mere report that Freeman would surely have his divorce in a few days. It was almost an hour later when Henrietta arose from her seat on Gay's porch and peered across the street. “Who is that?” she asked. “Isn't that Lem and his father going up Miss Susan's steps? It is! Good-bye, Gay!” She overtook the panting ex-saint before he reached Miss Susan's front door. “Oh, Mr. Redding!” she exclaimed. “I know you've come to see your sister. Here--this is the easiest chair. You must be so tired. I 'll tell her you're here. You want a fan, I know.”