"Everett, does Ann know why you want to take them away from her?" "Of course not; I couldn't tell her that, nor Horace, either. They would have promptly told me to attend to my own affairs; but I could come to you." "I'm so glad--I'm so glad you did! And poor Ann, I wish she would allow her friends to help her! She's such a darling in her charitable work, though, isn't she?" "I don't agree with you," dissented Everett. "But you must admit, boy, that a girl who will make a hospital of her home, who will wear out her strength for two little strangers, has the heart of Christ in her." "I admit her goodness," said Everett slowly, "or I should not want her for my wife. But you can't blame me when I say that I desire her to be herself again." Mrs. Vandecar rose. "Well, come in to dinner, and we can still talk. Mildred has gone to her father in Albany with Katherine for a day or two, and I'm alone." When they were seated, Everett pressed his plea again. "I don't think Ann would have been so stubborn in the matter, if Horace had not insisted upon it. And I know that you will be surprised to hear that he is in love with the girl, a little pauper who uses bad English and swears like a pirate." Fledra Vandecar dropped her fork and started back from the table. "Everett, has Horace lost his mind, or what is it? What can there be in two children--for they are very young--to have such a hold upon a man like Horace and a woman like Ann?" "I have asked myself that a dozen times, and more," commented Everett. "But now you understand why I want to do something to relieve these misguided young people--to say nothing of my love for Ann?" "I do understand," replied Mrs. Vandecar, "and I can't blame you. But, really, I don't see what I can do, without incurring the enmity of both of my friends." "Your husband," breathed Everett. "Is pledged to Horace in this very matter, and, of course, I couldn't take a stand against him. Everett, why don't you drop the case and let time take its course? I fear that you're going the wrong way." Brimbecomb bit his lip. He might have known that Horace would apply to the governor; but he had hoped to steal a march upon him and to keep the state's official from aiding him. But Everett also knew what an influence Mrs. Vandecar had over her husband, and now rejoined: "I have gone too far with it; and, what's more, if I have to bear the brunt of the thing alone, I'll free Ann from a presence that has completely changed her! Have you seen her lately?" Mrs. Vandecar shook her head. "I haven't," she admitted slowly. "I haven't been well enough to go out, and she hasn't been here. I have heard from her only now and then on the 'phone. Poor child! I must try to get over there tomorrow." * * * * * Next day Ann met Mrs. Vandecar with open arms. "Oh, Fledra," said she, "I've longed for you so many days! I do appreciate your coming!"