am seen in company
with--with the encumbrance, people will merely say, 'Oh, it's another
of her eccentricities!' that's all. Now, don't worry, and don't fret all
that pretty color from your cheeks. Always remember this: it is but
for a year or a trifle over. Then you will be of age and can send your
encumbrance to the right-about in a hurry."

Caroline, under the spell of this convincing eloquence, began to cheer
up. She even smiled.

"Well," she said, "I will try to be diplomatic. I really will. But
Stephen--I'm not sure what dreadful thing _he_ will do."

"He will return to college soon. I will take upon myself the convincing
of the encumbrance to that effect. And while he is at home, Malcolm will
take charge of him. He will be delighted to do it."

"Mrs. Dunn, how can we ever thank you sufficiently? What should we do
without you and Malcolm?"

"I _hope_, my dear, that you will never have to do without me; not for
many years, at any rate. Of course, there is always my poor heart,
but--we won't worry, will we?"

So, with a kiss and an embrace, this affecting interview ended.

There was another that evening between Mrs. Dunn and her son, which was
not devoid of interest. Malcolm listened to the information which his
mother gave him, and commented upon it in characteristic fashion.

"Humph!" he observed, "two hundred and fifty thousand, instead of the
two million you figured on, Mater! Two hundred and fifty thousand isn't
so much, in these days."

"No," replied his parent, sharply, "it isn't so much, but it isn't so
little, either."

"I suppose one can get along on it."

"Yes, one can. In fact, I know of two who are managing with a good deal
less. Don't be any more of a fool than you can help, Malcolm. The sum
itself isn't small, and, besides, the Warrens are a family of standing.
To be connected with them is worth a good deal. There are infinite
possibilities in it. Oh, if only I might live to see the day when
tradespeople meant something other than nuisances to be dodged, I
_think_ I could die contented."

"Caro's a decent sort of a girl," commented Malcolm, reflectively.

"She's a bright girl and an attractive one. Just now she is in a mood to
turn to us, to you. But, for Heaven's sake, be careful! She is delicate
and sensitive and requires managing. She likes you. If only you weren't
such a blunderer!"

"Much obliged, Mater. You're free with your compliments this evening.
What's the trouble? Another