“Well, good-by.” “Good-by.” “I feel greatly relieved after this revelation,” Donald said, “as it settles two doubts in my mind which have always troubled me. First, as to whether it is a crime to slay innocent creatures whose only fault, perhaps, is a proclivity to take what is not theirs; and second, as to whether there is more than one heaven and whether we shall meet our victims in the other world. I killed Maria because she would steal chickens, a natural propensity for which I should not have blamed her, probably. She was my favorite cat, and my conscience has never been quite easy since, but now that I know that she is all right and safe I feel relieved.” A peal of laughter from Mark was echoed by a loud guffaw from Solomon Garrett and several others in the room. “Mr. Bartram, I consider such levity out of place,” said Russell angrily. “It seems that you are the same incorrigible Don that you were when I knew you in Iowa. Age doesn’t seem to have improved you.” “But if Maria’s spirit was not there how could you have seen her?” asked Donald innocently. “There are many spirits who bear the name of Maria while upon earth,” Russell replied with dignity. “But the one whose name I wrote is the one who should have appeared; and I repeat, I am glad to know she is all right.” “How you can jest on this subject is more than I can understand,” replied the other, as he began to make preparations for departure. The Pemberton twins giggled and said in unison, “How funny.” At this juncture Auntie Dearborn began to chuckle. She appeared to try to control her desire to laugh, and put her handkerchief to her mouth, while her face grew red. But the more she tried to stifle the laughter, the more it overcame her. Finally her merriment became almost convulsive, and Auntie shrieked in a frenzy of mirth. And in the midst of the laughter, for the effect was contagious, Professor Russell took his leave. This hysteria of the old lady was not an uncommon phenomenon, and excited little comment among the guests, though most of them joined heartily in the outburst, and departed to their homes freed from the superstitious awe which had held them earlier in the evening. CHAPTER XVIII MAJOR WALDEN The fire was burning with active energy in the tall stove, and the dish of water sitting upon it, “to keep the room healthy,” was sending forth steam clouds, as Nathan and Lissa, after closing the door behind the last departing guest, returned to their family room. Donald had walked home with Esther McCleary, and Mrs. Clyne had retired for the night, leaving them alone. “It is an ugly night,” Nathan said, shivering and lifting his shoulders, as he stood with his hands held behind him and his back to the stove. “Yes, and I’m afraid I’m going to have neuralgia in my face again,” said Lissa, pressing her cheek closer to the glowing heat of the fire.