"Why, Norma," and Eve looked surprised, "I thought you were so interested in these things." "So I am, but not to the extent of so affecting the nervous system of a sweet, innocent child, that it may result in permanent injury." "She's all right," said Gifford Bruce, returning, alone. "It's hysteria. I think I'll take her back to town to-morrow or next day. There's something uncanny up here, that's certain. I didn't take any stock in the experiences of you people, but I can't disbelieve Vernie's story." The party broke up and all went to their rooms. There was no volunteer to sleep in the haunted room that night, and every one felt a shivering dread of what might happen at four o'clock the next morning. Not one admitted it, but every one secretly shuddered at thought of Ouija's message. And when, as the hall clock rung out its four strokes the next morning, and nothing untoward happened, every one drew a long breath and soon went to sleep again, relieved, as of a heavy burden. Gaily they gathered at breakfast, daylight and good cheer reviving their spirits. "But Ouija is henceforth taboo," said Mr. Tracy, shaking his finger at the now laughing Vernie. "For little girls, anyway," supplemented Eve. "Little girls are taboo, also," declared Gifford Bruce. "I can't get off to-day, for I want to see Rudolph on his return, but to-morrow, I pack up my Vernie child and take her back to our own little old Chicago on the lake. These Aspens are too black for us!" "Now, Uncle, I don't want to go," and Vernie pouted prettily. "And sumpum tells me I won't go," she added with a roguish glance at her uncle, whom she usually twisted round her rosy little finger. But he gave her a grave smile in return, and the subject was dropped for the moment. Soon after noon, Braye came up from the city, and listened, frowning, to the tales that were told him. "You promised me, Vernie," he said, reproachfully. "I know it, Cousin Rudolph, but you see, I've never kept a promise in my whole life,--and I didn't want to break my record!" "Naughty Flapper! I won't give you the present I brought for you." "Oh, yes you will," and so wheedlesome was the lovely face, and so persuasive the soft voice, that Vernie, after a short argument, seized upon a small jeweller's packet and unwrapped a pretty little ring. "Angel Cousin," she observed, "you're just about the nicest cousin I possess,--beside being the only one!" "Doubtful compliment!" laughed Braye. "Any way, you're the prettiest and naughtiest cousin _I_ own! As a punishment for your disobedience I challenge you to a round with old Ouija to-night! I'll bet I can make it say something more cheerful than you wormed out of it last evening." "All right, we'll try it," and Vernie danced gaily away to tease her uncle not to take her home. A little later, Milly, as housekeeper, discovered some serious shortage in the commissariat department, and Braye offered to drive her over to East Dryden, marketing.