stiff little note, in formal language, "Mrs. Spafford sends herewith her
full and free forgiveness to Mr. Harry Temple, and promises to think no
more of the matter."

She would have liked to consult some one. She almost thought of taking
Aunt Clarinda into her confidence, but decided that she might not
understand. So she finally sent off the brief missive, and let her
troubled thoughts wander after it more than once.

She was standing by the window looking out into the yard perplexing
herself over this again when there came a loud knocking at the front door.
She started, half frightened, for the knock sounded through the empty
house so insistently. It seemed like trouble coming. She felt nervous as
she went down the hall.

It was only a little urchin, barefoot, and tow-headed. He had ridden an
old mare to the door, and left her nosing at the dusty grass. He brought
her a letter. Again her heart fluttered excitedly. Who could be writing to
her? It was not David. Why did the handwriting look familiar? It could not
be from any one at home. Father? Mother? No, it was no one she knew. She
tore it open, and the boy jumped on his horse and was off down the street
before she realized that he was gone.

"DEAR MADAM:" the letter read,

"I bring you news of your husband, and having met with an accident
I am unable to come further. You will find me at the Green Tavern
two miles out on the corduroy road. As the business is private,
please come alone.

"A MESSENGER."

Marcia trembled so that she sat down on the stairs. A sudden weakness went
over her like a wave, and the hall grew dark around her as though she were
going to faint. But she did not. She was strong and well and had never
fainted in her life. She rallied in a moment and tried to think. Something
had happened to David. Something dreadful, perhaps, and she must go at
once and find out. Still it must be something mysterious, for the man had
said it was private. Of course that meant David would not want it known.
David had intended that the man would come to her and tell her by herself.
She must go. There was nothing else to be done. She must go at once and
get rid of this awful suspense. It was a good day for the message to have
come, for she had brought her lunch expecting to do some spring cleaning.
David had been expected home soon, and she liked to make a bustle of
preparation as if