ent back to that time; but he said that they had hated
one another, and made friends after a long time, and that your father had
the most to forgive, being in the wrong. I remember those words, because
they sounded so queer to me and I could not understand them. When I was
eighteen, I went out to get my living, and did not see Mr. Rosewarne for
many years until the other day, though he came regularly."

"The other day?" Mr. Sam stared at her blankly.

"On the 5th. Mr. Rosewarne always paid his visit on the 5th of June."

"I don't understand you in the least. A minute ago you told me that your
father was dead!"

"Yes; he died almost two months ago. But Mr. Rosewarne wrote and asked
leave to come, since it was for the last time."

"Your mother entertained him?"

Hester shook her head. "I have no mother. He came as my guest, and that
evening--for he never spent more than one night with us--we talked for a
long while. He knew, of course, that I was a schoolmistress; and he began
to mock at some things in which I believe very deeply. He did it to try
me, perhaps. I don't know whether he came meaning to try me, or seeing me
alone in the world, and making ready to leave the old home, he suddenly
took this notion into his head. At any rate, I did not guess for a
moment; and when he spoke scorn of girls' teaching, I answered him--too
hotly, I thought at the time; but it seems that he forgave me."
She rose. "I have told you all this, sir, because you say you are in the
dark. I am here because Mr. Rosewarne offered me the post. But you seem
disposed to deny this; and so in fairness I must consult a friend, if I
can find one, or a lawyer perhaps, before showing you the letter."

"Wait a moment, please." Hester's story had held a light as it were,
though but a faint one, to an unexplored passage in old Rosewarne's life;
and to Mr. Sam every unexplored corner in that life was now to be
suspected. "You jump to conclusions, Miss Marvin. I merely meant to say
that as my father's executor I have to use reasonable caution.
Might I inquire your age? Excuse me, I know that ladies--"

"I am twenty-five," she struck in sharply.

"Married, or unmarried?"

"Unmarried."

"You will excuse me for saying that I am surprised. A young person of
your attractiveness--"

"Have you any more questions, sir?"

"Eh?--ah, to be sure! Qualifications?"

Hester briefly enumerated these. He did not appear to be listening, bu