Miriam went thoughtfully over to the alcove and arranged the soiled dishes on her breakfast tray while she considered Mrs. Nash's message. If Somers was the right kind of person she would be invaluable. Martha's white face, and nervous, excitable manner pointed inevitably to one conclusion--Martha's usefulness as a nurse's aid would soon be a thing of the past, indeed, if indications could be depended upon, she might become a patient herself; for to Miriam's practiced eye, the housekeeper was on the verge of a nervous collapse. From where she stood in the window, Miriam caught sight of Alan talking to Doctor Nash in the driveway which led to the garage. Apparently Alan spoke rapidly, with quick jerky movements of his hands, while the clergyman contented himself with a nod of his head now and then; suddenly Alan whirled around and went in the direction of the garage. Nash, left to himself, stood still for a minute, then commenced pacing slowly up and down, each turn bringing him nearer the house. Miriam's eyes brightened. Here was her opportunity to deliver Mrs. Nash's message and to talk to Nash undisturbed. Since his arrival in the sick room the night before she had had no chance to speak to him, other than brief statements as to his wife's condition. But she had recognized him instantly upon his entrance as Betty Carter's companion on Monday night. Leaving the breakfast tray for Martha to take to the pantry, Miriam ran lightly down the staircase and out of the front door. The driveway was entirely clear of snow and at the sound of Miriam's tread on the gravel, Nash looked over his shoulder and halted abruptly. "Does my wife need me?" he asked. "I'll go to her at once." "No, wait." Miriam, to her surprise, was breathing rapidly, and paused to recover herself. What was there about this middle-aged man confronting her to make her nervous? A certain hardness about the clean-shaven, handsome mouth, a drooping lid which partly covered one of his blue eyes--no, they did not account for her instinctive dread of the clergyman. She caught Nash's surprise at her continued silence and spoke in haste to cover her embarrassment. "Miss Carter is with your wife." "Ah, then you are out for a walk. Pardon me for detaining you," and Nash raised his hat, intending to move on, but Miriam checked him. "Just a moment," she exclaimed. "Your wife wishes you to send for Somers." "Somers?" questioningly. "Ah, very well. I will go at once and telephone." "Again I must detain you." Miriam spoke with assurance. She had caught sight of Guy Trenholm as he turned the corner of the house and came toward them. Her eyes brightened. Trenholm had come most opportunely. Unconscious of her added color, she turned to the silent man regarding her, as Trenholm paused by her side.