"In a case like this which concerns me so personally, I must act according to my own judgment. You can be in the adjoining room. Indeed I have no objection to your hearing what is said, but I would rather you should not. You have no occasion to fear. Mr. Clancy has alienated me forever. I have no doubt that before the summer is over he will be engaged to Miss Ainsley, if he is not already engaged virtually. I have reasons for granting this final interview which are personal--which my self-respect requires, and, since they are personal, I need not mention them. There shall be no want of respect and affection for you, aunty, but you must realize that I have become an independent woman, and I have the entire right to decide certain questions for myself." "Well, I wash my hands of it all," said Mrs. Hunter, coldly, "and since my strong convictions have no weight with you, and you intend to act independently of me, of course I shall not permit myself to hear a word of your conversation." "That will be the more delicate and honorable course, aunty." "Well, Mara, I only wish I need not be in the house at the time." "Aunty, that is the same as saying that your enmity toward Mr. Clancy is greater than your love for me." "But I don't see the use of this intensely disagreeable interview. This is the only home I have." "And the only home I have also, aunty." "Oh, well, if you will, you will, I reckon." "Yes, if I will, I _will_, and Mr. Clancy shall learn that I have a will." As Aun' Sheba was departing that morning, Mara followed her into the hallway, and, placing a note in her hand, said, "Give that to Mr. Clancy and to no other. Say nothing to him or to any one else. Do you understand, Aun' Sheba?" "I does, honey. Wen you talk dataway you'se heah an eyster shoutin' 'fore Aun' Sheba speak." Clancy only said, "Thank you," as he thrust a half-dollar into the old woman's hand. Aun' Sheba laid it on the desk, and remarked with great dignity, "I does some tings widout money." He paid no heed to her, but read eagerly, "Mr. Clancy--Come this evening. Mara Wallingford." With a long breath he thought, "It will be my last chance. I fear it will be useless, but at no future day shall she think in bitterness of heart, 'He might have done more to save me.'" There was no sudden, involuntary illumination of her face on this occasion when he entered her little parlor, and she could not help noticing that his face was pale. She also saw from his expression that his spirit was as high as hers; that there was not a trace of the lover, eager to plead his cause. "He has pleaded successfully elsewhere," she thought, and, in spite of all other conflicting feelings, she was curious to know what his motive could be in seeking the interview. "Good-evening, Mr. Clancy. Will you sit down?" she said, coldly. "Yes, Mara. Pardon me for calling you Mara. I am beyond any affectation of formality with you, and you know there is no lack of respect on my part."