use it; but it has just struck me that perhaps--But I
don't know! I should have to talk with their attorney--I will see about
it! And I thank you very much, Mr. Maxwell."

"Look here, Mr. Hilary!" said Maxwell. "Use Pinney all you please, and
all you can; but I warn you he is a dangerous tool. He doesn't mean any
harm till he's tempted, and when it's done he doesn't think it's any
harm. He isn't to be trusted an instant beyond his self-interest; and
yet he has flashes of unselfishness that would deceive the very elect.
Good heavens!" cried Maxwell, "if I could get such a character as
Pinney's into a story or a play, I wouldn't take odds from any man
living!"

His notion, whatever it was, grew upon Matt, so that he waited more and
more impatiently for his mother's return, in order to act upon it. When
she did get back to the farm she could only report from the Northwicks
that she had said pretty much what she thought she would like to say to
Suzette concerning her wilfulness and obstinacy in wishing to give up
her property; but Matt inferred that she had at the same time been able
to infuse so much motherly comfort into her scolding that it had left
the girl consoled and encouraged. She had found out from Adeline that
their great distress was not knowing yet where their father was.
Apparently he thought that his published letter was sufficient
reassurance for the time being. Perhaps he did not wish them to get at
him in any way, or to have his purposes affected by any appeal from
them. Perhaps, as Adeline firmly believed, his mind had been warped by
his suffering--he must have suffered greatly--and he was not able to
reason quite sanely about the situation. Mrs. Hilary spoke of the
dignity and strength which both the sisters showed in their trial and
present stress. She praised Suzette, especially; she said her trouble
seemed to have softened and chastened her; she was really a noble girl,
and she had sent her love to Louise; they had both wished to be
remembered to every one. "Adeline, especially, wished to be remembered
to you, Matt; she said they should never forget your kindness."

Matt got over to Hatboro' the next day, and went to see Putney, who
received him with some ironical politeness, when Matt said he had come
hoping to be useful to his clients, the Miss Northwicks.

"Well, we all hope something of that kind, Mr. Hilary. You were here on
a mission of that kind before. But may I ask why you think I should