Theodora flushed a little. It was the first time she had been face to face with Mrs. Farrington, and she found the slender figure in its unrelieved black gown rather awe-inspiring. She began to wish that she had taken Hope's advice and remained upon her own side of the fence. During the past ten days, her neighborly calls had been frequent; but she had always before now succeeded in making her escape before any one else appeared. Hubert, in the meantime, had dutifully called on his new neighbor; but he had called decorously and by way of the front gate, at a time when Billy was out with his mother for their daily drive, so Mrs. Farrington had caught no glimpse of their young neighbors who had it in their power to make such a difference in her son's life. She had been amused and interested in Billy's account of Theodora's erratic calls, and she had felt an instant liking for the bright-faced, straightforward young girl who was as free from self-consciousness as Billy himself. "When is your father coming back?" she asked, after a pause, during which she became conscious of Theodora's searching scrutiny. "Day after to-morrow, I think. We had a letter from him, this morning." "I am so glad," Mrs. Farrington said. "I want him to see Will as soon as he comes. Dr. Parker spoke so highly of him that I feel it is everything for us to be so near him as we are." Theodora's color came. She was intensely loyal to her father, and praise of him was sweet to her ears. "People say that papa is a good doctor," she replied frankly. "I hope he'll be able to help Billy. Anyway, we're all so glad to have somebody living here again. It's ages since the house has been occupied." Mrs. Farrington smiled. "I should judge so from the general air of mustiness I find. I rejoice in all this bright, warm weather, so Will can live out of doors. The house feels fairly clammy, and I don't like to have him in it, more than I can help. I hope you are going to be very neighborly, all of you, this coming winter." Theodora laughed. "All five of us? Remember, you aren't used to such a horde, and we may overrun you entirely. You'd better arrange to take us on the instalment plan." "We're not timid," Billy asserted. "Really, I think we can stand it, Miss Teddy." Theodora shook her head. "You've not seen Babe yet, and you little realize what she is. In fact, you've hardly seen any of us. I want you to know Hope. You'll adore her; boys always do." "In the meantime," Mrs. Farrington interposed; "I want to know something about--" she paused for the right word,--"about your new mother. Some one told me she was at Vassar. That is my college, you know. What was her maiden name?" "Holden. Elizabeth Holden." "Bess Holden!" Mrs. Farrington started up excitedly. "I wonder if it can be Bess. What does she look like?" "I've only seen her once." "Was she tall and dark, with great blue eyes?"