l shrivelled up, while this border
on the tablecloth is as crooked as can be. It all has such an afterward
sort of look. Ah, it _is_ raining, good and fast."

Mrs. Kaye excused herself and went to look out toward the library. The
wind was howling in that direction, and she exclaimed, anxiously:--

"Cleena, go at once and see if it is doing any harm out there! That
broken door and window--put something against them, if it is."

"I don't think there's any danger of harm. I've sent for a carpenter
more than an hour ago," observed Mr. Wingate.

"Thee?"

For a moment there was a flash in the matron's eyes, but she did not
remark further, though Hallam took up her cause with the words:--

"I suppose you meant it for kindness, but my father does not allow any
one to interfere with that place. Even if it rained in, I think he would
rather give his own orders."

"Probably," answered the guest, dryly, while Cleena deposited a dish of
steaming waffles upon the table with such vigor as to set them all
bouncing.

"Sure, mistress, you'll be takin' a few of these, why not. I never
turned me finer, an' that honey's the last of the lot, three times
strained, too, an' you please."

"Waffles, Cleena? Did thee take some up to the master? I am sure he
would enjoy them."

"Indeed, I did that. Would I forget? So eat, to please Cleena, and to be
strong for what comes."

Even Mrs. Kaye's indifference was not proof against the tempting
delicacy, and doubtless the food did give her strength the better to go
through a trying interview. For immediately breakfast was over, she
rose, and, inviting the visitor into the old parlor, bade her children
join them.

"What our cousin Archibald has to say concerns us all. I leave it to him
to tell the whole story," and she sat down with Amy snuggled beside her,
while Hallam stood upon his crutches at her back.

Somehow, Mr. Wingate found it a little difficult to begin, and after
several attempts he put the plain question abruptly:--

"When can you leave, Salome?"

She caught her breath, and Amy felt the arm about her waist grow rigid,
but she answered by another question:--

"Must thee really turn us out, Archibald?"

The plain, affectionate "thee" touched him, yet for that reason he
settled himself all the more firmly in his decision.

"What has to be done would better be done at once. It is a long time,
Salome, since I have had any recompense for the use of this--my
property--"

"Y