“Yes, it blew to, the lock clicked, and there I was. If I hadn't had the other key in my pocket I don't know's I wouldn't have been in there yet. That would have been a pretty mess, wouldn't it! He! he! he!” She laughed shrilly. The minister looked at her, then at her brother, and he, too, burst into a shout of laughter. Kyan did not laugh; yet his grip upon the chair relaxed, and over his countenance was spreading a look of relief, of hope and peace, like a clear sunrise after a stormy night. “Well, I must go and get supper,” declared Lavinia. “You'll forgive me for leavin' you so, won't you, 'Bishy?” Mr. Pepper sighed. “Yes,” he said slowly. “I'll forgive you, Laviny.” “I knew you would. I hope you ain't been too lonesome. Did you miss me? Was you worried?” “Hey? Yes, I--I missed you consider'ble. I WAS gettin' sort of worried. I didn't s'pose you'd go off to ride with--with a feller and leave me all alone. But I forgive you.” He stopped, drew his hand across his forehead, and then added, “I s'pose I hadn't ought to complain. Maybe I'd better get used to it; I guess likely this is only the beginnin'.” Lavinia blushed furiously. “Why, 'Bish!” she exclaimed. “How you do talk! Ain't he awful, Mr. Ellery?” The Reverend John did not answer. He could not trust himself to speak just then. When he did it was to announce that he must be getting toward home. No, he couldn't stay for supper. Miss Pepper went into the kitchen, and Abishai saw the visitor to the door. Ellery extended his hand and Kyan shook it with enthusiasm. “Wa'n't it fine?” he whispered. “Talk about your miracles! Godfreys mighty! Say, Mr. Ellery, don't you ever tell a soul how it really was, will you?” “No, of course not.” “No, I know you won't. You won't tell on me and I won't tell on you. That's a trade, hey?” The minister stopped in the middle of his step. “What?” he said, turning. Mr. Pepper merely smiled, winked, and shut the door. John Ellery reflected much during his homeward walk.