“SHE had money and my mother had not. Yet both were Captain Cahoon's daughters. How did that happen?” It seemed to me that it was Hephzy's time to play the target. I turned to her. “Miss Cahoon will probably answer that herself,” I observed, maliciously. Hephzibah appeared more embarrassed than I. “I--I--Oh, what difference does all this make?” she faltered. “Hosy has told you the truth, Frances. Really and truly he has. Father was poor as poverty when he died and all his last years, too. All his money had gone.” “Yes, so I have heard Mr. Knowles say. But how did it go?” “In--in--well, it was invested in stocks and things and--and--” “Do you mean that he speculated in shares?” “Well, not--not--” “I see. Oh, I see. Father told me a little concerning those speculations. He warned Captain Cahoon before he left the States, but his warnings were not heeded, I presume. And you wish me to believe that ALL the money was lost--my mother's and all. Is that what you mean?” “Your mother HAD no money,” I put in, desperately, “I have told you--” “You have told me many things, Mr. Knowles. Even admitting that my grandfather lost his money, as you say, why should I suffer because of his folly? I am not asking for HIS money. I am demanding money that was my mother's and is now mine. That I expected from him and now I expect it from you, his heirs.” “But your mother had no--” “I do not care to hear that again. I know she had money.” “But how do you know?” “Because my father told me she had, and my father did not lie.” There we were again--just where we started. The doctor re-entered the room and insisted upon his patient's being left to herself. She must lie down and rest, he said. His manner was one of distinct disapproval. It was evident that he considered Hephzy and me disturbers of the peace; in fact he intimated as much when he joined us in the sitting-room in a few minutes. “I am afraid I made a mistake in permitting the conference,” he said. “The young lady seems much agitated, Mr. Knowles. If she is, complete nervous prostration may follow. She may be an invalid for months or even years. I strongly recommend her being taken into the country as soon as possible.” This speech and the manner in which it was made were impressive and alarming. The possibilities at which it hinted were more alarming still. We made no attempt to discuss family matters with Little Frank that day nor the next. But on the day following, when I returned from my morning visit to Camford Street, I found Hephzy awaiting me in the sitting-room. She was very solemn. “Hosy,” she said, “sit down. I've got somethin' to tell you.” “About her?” I asked, apprehensively. “Yes. She's just been talkin' to me.” “She has! I thought we agreed not to talk with her at all.” “We did, and I tried not to. But when I went in to see her just now she was waitin' for me. She had somethin' to say, she said, and she said it--Oh, my goodness, yes! she said it.”