"I've been fixin' to tell yo'," she announced as she removed the dessert plate, "dat Mrs. Potter done telephone yo' jes' a few minutes after yo' left this mawnin'. I declare yo' put it outer my haid when yo' telled me 'bout yo' dreamin' Oscar was hyar at five o'clock." "Did Mrs. Potter say how she was, Mandy?" asked Kitty, as she arose. "She had a mighty bad cold an' I couldn't hardly hear what she said, noways." Mandy advanced, silver coffee pot in hand. "Ain't yo' gwine ter take yo' coffee?" "Yes, in the library. And Mandy, bring another cup," Kitty paused. "I am expecting Mr. Rodgers. There is the bell now--" Mandy was smiling to herself as she walked toward the front door. Her smile broadened into an expansive grin at sight of Edward Rodgers. "Come right in, Sah: Miss Kitty's 'spectin' yo' in the lib'ry." She hovered about while he removed his hat and overcoat. "I'se glad yo've come; Miss Kitty's kinda peaked. It's nice yo' can keep her company." "Thanks." Rodgers' dry tone was totally lost on Mandy. With a flourishing twist of the porti�res in front of the library door she announced: "Mister Rodgers--" and discreetly disappeared inside her pantry. As Kitty felt Rodgers' strong handclasp and met his ardent gaze, her heart beat more swiftly. Rodgers, scarcely conscious that he still held her hand, was unaware of the brief pause, being content to watch Kitty's piquant beauty. "I've wanted to see you--to be with you," he stammered. "It's been an eternity." Kitty's soft laugh interrupted him. "Come and sit down," she said. "I'm particularly glad you came to-night, for I want your advice badly." "You do?" Rodgers followed her to the leather-covered lounge and sat down by her. "What about?" "Hush!" Kitty had caught the sound of Mandy's heavy tread in the hall. "I'll tell you later after we have had our coffee. Come in, Mandy." Kitty raised her voice. "Bring the tray here and place it on this table." With Rodgers' aid the old servant made room on the table for her tray, then, with a respectful "good night," she stumped away, taking care to drop the porti�res back in place. As Rodgers bent to pick up a napkin which he had inadvertently dropped, Kitty caught sight of the cuts on his head partially covered by a dressing. "Good gracious! What have you done to yourself?" she cried. "Ran head first into a door," replied Rodgers. "Are you sure you are not badly hurt?" she asked gravely, noting the pallor of his usually ruddy cheeks. At the solicitude in her voice Rodgers colored and his eyes shone. "Quite sure," he said, then made haste to change the subject. "Have you seen Ben Potter to-day?" "No. Nina telephoned to me this morning while I was out." She handed him her empty coffee cup to put down. "I haven't seen Ben since the day of the inquest." Rodgers hesitated a moment. "Forgive the question--but--are you and he great friends?"