"I'm crazy to see my diamond pin. I've heard about that for years. No matter how often she changed her will, she told me, that diamond pin was always bequeathed to me. Perhaps it's her choicest gem." "Perhaps. Listen to this, Iris: "'I am going to New York next Tues. I shall give Winston a cheap-looking pair of gloves, but I shall first put a hundred-dollar bill in each finger.' "She did that, you know, and I was so mad when she gave them to me I was within an ace of throwing them away. But I caught sight of a bulge in the thumb, and I just thought, in time, there might be some joke on. Didn't she beat the dickens?" "She did. Oh, Win, you don't know how she humiliated and hurt me! But I'm sorry, now, that I wasn't more patient." "You were, Iris! Here's proof! "'I put a wee little toad in Iris' handbag to-day. We were going to the village, and when she opened the bag, Mr. Toad jumped out! Iris loathes toads, but I must say she took it beautifully. I bought her a muff and stole of Hud. seal to make up.'" "Poor auntie," said Iris, as the tears came, "she always wanted to 'make up!' I believe she couldn't help those silly tricks, Win. It was a sort of mania with her." "Pshaw! She could have helped it if she'd wanted to. Somebody's coming, put the book away now." The somebody proved to be Miss Darrel, who, when Bannard was presented, gave him a cordial smile, and proceeded to make friendly advances at once. "We three are the only relatives present," she said, "and we must sympathize with and help one another." "You can help me," said Iris, who was irresistibly drawn to the strong, efficient personality, "but I fear I can't help you. Though I am more than willing." "It is a pleasure just to look at you, my dear, you are so sweet and unspoiled." Bannard gave Miss Darrel a quick glance. Her speech, to him, savored of sycophancy. But not to Iris. She slipped her hand into that of her new friend, and gave her a smile of glad affection. Luncheon was announced and after that came the solemn observances of the funeral. As Miss Darrel had said, the three were the only relatives present. Ursula Pell had other kin, but none were nearby enough to attend the funeral. Of casual friends there were plenty, and of neighbors and villagers enough to fill the house, and more too. Iris heard nothing of the services. Entirely unnerved, she lay on the bed in her own room, and sobbed, almost hysterically. Agnes brought sal volatile and aromatic ammonia, but the sight of the maid roused Iris' excitement to a higher pitch, and finally Miss Darrel took complete charge of the nervous girl. "I'm ashamed of myself," Iris said, when at last she grew calmer, "but I can't help it. There's a curse on the house--on the place--on the family! Miss Darrel, save me--save me from what is about to befall!"