"No, I didn't. But I've seen--and heard--something else that's strange, more strange than all the rest!" "Tell me, quick!" demanded Janet. "Two nights ago, I sat here by the window. It was too hot to turn on the light, but it was very dark outside. Presently I heard footsteps in the Benedict garden. They were light, quick footsteps, and sounded exactly as if some one were running about, or skipping and jumping. First I thought it must be a big dog, for it couldn't possibly have been either one of those two old ladies, running and skipping that way! And then I heard a soft humming, as if some one were singing a tune half under the breath. And then, very soon after, a door opened, and a voice called out, very softly, 'Come in, now!' And after that all was quiet. Now, Janet McNeil, I'm simply positive there's _some one else_ in that house beside the two old ladies,--some one who hasn't been seen yet. What do you make of it?" "You must be right," replied Janet, thoughtfully. "It _couldn't_ be either of them running about in the garden in the dark and humming a tune. It isn't at all what they'd be likely to do. I think it must be some one else, more--more _human_ and natural, somehow. And younger, too. But what on _earth_ do they all keep so shut up for, and act as if they were afraid to be seen! It's the queerest thing I ever heard of. You certainly _have_ moved next door to a 'dark-brown mystery,' Marcia!" For the ensuing hour the girls embroidered steadily and discussed "Benedict's Folly" and its inmates in all their peculiar phases. But, turn and twist it as they might, they could find no answer to the riddle. After a while, Janet changed the subject. "By the way, Marcia, how are you coming on with your violin practice? Have you begun taking lessons here yet? You know that was one of the principal things you folks moved to the city for,--so that you could study with the best teachers." "Yes, I've begun with Professor Hardwick," said Marcia, "and I've practised quite hard lately. It's about all I had to do. He says I've made some progress already." "Oh, _do_ get your violin and play some for me!" begged Janet. "I'm just starving for some good music. I haven't heard any since you left Northam." So Marcia obligingly went to the parlor and brought back her violin. When she had tuned it and tucked it lovingly under her chin, she sat down in the window-seat and ran her bow over the strings in a shower of liquid melody. For one so young she played astonishingly well. Janet listened, breathless, absorbed. "Marcia dear, you _have_ improved!" she exclaimed, as her chum stopped for a moment. "Now do play my favorite!" Marcia laid her bow on the strings once more, and slipped into the tender reverie of the "Träumerei." But before it was half finished, Janet, wide-eyed with astonishment, laid her hand on Marcia's arm.