“That nose is where the shoe pinches just now,” asserted Mrs. Snow. Mrs. Colton was aware of some peculiarities in the metaphor, but she agreed with the truth of the statement. Who should play _Ralph Rackstraw_ was the casting committee’s most difficult problem and Fate solved it in an unexpected way. A stranger came to Harniss, a stranger who could sing, who had had much experience in amateur theatricals, and who in age and physical charm was the ideal Rackstraw. Best of all he had sung the part elsewhere and in a big city. Mrs. Wheeler declared his coming was a dispensation of Providence. Margery agreed with her. So, for the matter of that, did every female--especially every young female--in the cast. At the first rehearsal the new _Ralph Rackstraw_ made a hit even before he opened his mouth to sing. When he did sing the hit assumed the proportions of a triumph. Margery Wheeler’s regret that she was not to play _Josephine_ was bitterer than ever and her hatred of Esther Townsend more implacable. Bob Griffin knew nothing of all this. Esther had written him, in her reply to his note, that a visitor was expected at the mansion, and he had heard rumors that Foster Townsend was entertaining some one from “out West,” but he paid little attention. The sole dweller in that house in whom he was the least interested was Esther and he was looking forward to seeing her very soon. Elisha Cook was steadily improving in health and the moment his grandson received the doctor’s permission to leave him for an evening that evening would find Bob Griffin knocking at the Townsend door. Esther’s letter, written the day following that upon which she received his note, was a long one. Its tone was kindly and, remembering only too well the manner of their parting, he found comfort in that. She expressed sorrow at the news of his grandfather’s illness, but hoped, as he did, that it would prove neither serious nor prolonged.