"Can't you give her an opiate?" asked Douglas. "She declines to take one." "Can't you administer it surreptitiously?" "I have a better plan than that," broke in Colonel Thornton. "The child needs a change of ideas. The atmosphere of the house is enough to get on anyone's nerves, particularly with that dipsomaniac, Philip, raising Cain at unexpected moments." "What's your plan, Uncle Dana?" "That you bring Cynthia over to my house to-morrow to spend Sunday. You come, too, Douglas. Cynthia hasn't met you, and she won't connect you with any of the tragic occurrences of the past week." Then, as he saw the look of doubt on Eleanor's face, he added, "Human nature can stand just so much of nervous strain and no more. Cynthia must have relaxation and diversion." "But I don't think Mrs. Winthrop will approve of her going out so soon after the funeral," objected Eleanor doubtfully. "Bah! That nonsense belongs to the dark ages. What good will Cynthia's staying in that gloomy house do poor Carew? I'll drop in to-morrow morning and see Mrs. Winthrop; leave the matter to me, Eleanor. There is no earthly reason why she should object. I'll ask Cousin Kate Truxton also." "Cousin Kate!" echoed Eleanor, her conscience smiting her. "Where has she gone?" "I left her talking with Senator Jenkins some time ago." The Colonel glanced behind him. "Speaking of angels, here she comes now." Mrs. Truxton was walking leisurely in their direction. Seeing that they had observed her, she waved her parasol and hastened her footsteps. "Cousin Kate, I think you already know Mr. Hunter," said Eleanor, as the older woman reached her side. "Indeed I do," Mrs. Truxton extended both her hands, her face beaming with smiles. "Why haven't you been to see me, Douglas?" she added reproachfully. "I have been extremely busy since my arrival, Mrs. Truxton," apologized Douglas. "I was looking forward to calling upon you this Sunday." "Have you had a pleasant time this afternoon, Kate?" asked Thornton. "Yes. It has been a delightful entertainment, just the right people and the right number." "It would be pretty hard to crowd these grounds," laughed Eleanor. "There isn't any elbow room about the refreshment table," put in Thornton; "I almost had to fight to get a plate of ice cream a few minutes ago." "A much needed improvement would be small chairs scattered about the lawn," grumbled Mrs. Truxton, leaning heavily on her parasol. "It is exceedingly tiresome having to stand so long." "It would be prettier, too, and less formal," agreed Eleanor. "The guests would then saunter over the lawns and not stand crowded together near the President." "It would also be much more brilliant if the members of the Diplomatic Corps wore their Court dress," announced Mrs. Truxton with decision, "instead of those hideous frock coats and gray trousers."