aid Mabel, "and told me that he had overstaid
his time and found it best to go to-night. He was very friendly, but his
tone did not encourage questioning or remonstrance. His parting with
Jane was almost affectionate, and he left kind regards for you. But not
a word for Clarice."

"Great Jackson! what is the matter with them?" I often use what my wife
considers profane language when I have something to hide.

It had its effect this time. "Robert, be quiet. It is all right. When
there is anything for you to know, you shall know it."

She sometimes appears to mistake me for our eldest boy. But I was glad
to get off with the secret. Yes, there is something to know, my lady,
and I know it, though you don't. But I fear it is a long way from all
right.

XVI.

FEMININE COUNSELS.

After this there was general gloom about the place, and I preferred to
spend much of the time in New York. But whenever I got there, this
confounded business would drive me back: Clarice might want me. Nobody
dared question her, till one day at lunch Herbert spoke up. "Mamma, why
doesn't Mr. Hartman come back? Cousin Clarice, what have you done to
him?" He was promptly suppressed, and the Princess froze his infant
veins with a stony stare, while Jane and I looked hard at our plates.
But later that day I came upon Clarice and the child together: he was
locked in her arms, and begging her not to cry. They did not see me, and
I retired in good order.

Within a week came a short note from Jim: apologies for leaving without
saying good-bye to me, appreciation of our kindness, regards to my wife
and sister--and not a word of Clarice. I took it to Mabel, of course.

"Be very careful how you answer this now, Robert."

"How will this do? 'Dear Jim, sorry you went off in such a hurry; but
after my performance in May I have no right to find fault. We all miss
you, I think: the house has grown dull. Herbert continues to fall over
the banisters, and at intervals over the rocks: at all hours, but
especially when laid up for repairs, he howls for you and bear-stories.
Our kindest regards. Keep us posted.' That's about it, eh?"

"Ye-es: you can't ask him to come back, and you can't mention Clarice;
so you can say no more, and I don't like you to say any less. That is
very well--for you, Robert; though you need not be so unfeeling about
your own son."

It is well occasionally to consult your womankind in such cases,
because, though they may not k