Hannah quoted her lover with a proud bridling of her head as if the matter were settled once and for all. It was the first time she had allowed the world to see that she acknowledged her relation to Lemuel. She was not averse to having David understand that she felt there were other men in the world besides himself. But David turned merry eyes on her. “Lemuel says?” he repeated, and he made a sudden movement with his arm which sent a knife and spoon from the table in a clatter upon the floor. “And how much does Lemuel know about the matter?” “Lemuel has good practical common sense,” said Hannah, vexed, “and he knows what is possible and what is not. He does not need to travel all over the country on a wild goose chase to learn that.” Now that she had accepted him Hannah did not intend to allow Lemuel to be discounted. “He has not long to wait to be convinced,” said David thoughtfully and unaware of her tart tone. “Before the year is out it will be a settled fact that every one can see.” “Well, it’s beyond comprehension what you care, anyway,” said Hannah contemptuously. “Did you really spend all your time in New York on such things? It seems incredible. There certainly must have been other attractions?” There was insinuation in Hannah’s voice though it was smooth as butter, but David had had long years of experience in hearing Hannah Heath’s sharp tongue. He minded it no more than he would have minded the buzzing of a fly. Marcia’s color rose, however. She made a hasty errand to the pantry to put away the bread, and her eyes flashed at Hannah through the close drawn pantry door. But Hannah did not give up so easily. “It is strange you did not stay with Mrs. Leavenworth,” she said. “She told me you were one of her dearest friends, and you used to be quite fond of one another.” Then it suddenly dawned upon David who Mrs. Leavenworth was, and a sternness overspread his face. “Mrs. Leavenworth, did you say? Ah! I did not understand. I saw her but once and that for only a few minutes soon after I first arrived. I did not see her again.” His voice was cool and steady. Marcia coming from the pantry with set face, ready for defence if there was any she could give, marvelled at his coolness. Her heart was gripped with fear, and yet leaping with joy at David’s words. He had not seen Kate but once. He had known she was there and yet had kept away. Hannah’s insinuations were false. Mr. Temple’s words were untrue. She had known it all the time, yet what sorrow they had given her! “By the way, Marcia,” said David, turning toward her with a smile that seemed to erase the sternness in his voice but a moment before. “Did you not write me some news? Miss Hannah, you are to be congratulated I believe. Lemuel is a good man. I wish you much happiness.”