, "that he might not want to call
her 'Fiddle.' The whole neighborhood says 'Fiddle Flippin.'"

"It is a dear little name," Aunt Claudia was bending adoringly over the
baby, "but Fidelity is better--Fidelity Branch Beaufort----"

"I want her to be as proud of her name as I am," Mary's voice had a
thrilling note. "It is a great thing to know that my child has in her
the blood of all those wonderful people whose portraits hang in the
hall. I want her to be worthy of her name."

She could have said nothing better. Aunt Claudia's face was lighted by
the warmth in her heart. "Such a lot of ancestors for one little fat
Fidelity," she said; "put on her nightgown, Mary, and I'll rock her to
sleep."

CHAPTER X

A GENTLEMAN'S LIE

I

Becky was not well. Aunt Claudia, perceiving her listlessness, decided
that she needed a change. Letters were written to the Nantucket
grandfather, and plans made for Becky's departure. She was to spend a
month on the island, come back to Boston to the Admiral's big old house
on the water-side of Beacon Street, and return to Huntersfield for
Christmas.

Becky felt that it was good of everybody to take so much trouble. She
really didn't care in the least. She occupied herself steadily with each
day's routine. She bent her head over the fine embroidery of a robe she
was making for Mary. She cut the flowers for the vases and bowls, she
recited nursery rhymes to Fiddle, entrancing that captious young person
with "Oranges and Lemons" and "Lavender's Blue." She read aloud to the
Judge, planned menus for Aunt Claudia, and was in fact such an angel in
the house that Truxton, after three days of it, protested.

"Oh, what's the matter with Becky, Mums?"

"Why?"

"She hasn't any pep."

"I know."

"Isn't she well?"

"I have tried to have her see a doctor. But she won't. She insists that
she is all right----"

"She is not. She is no more like the old Becky than champagne is
like--milk---- Becky was the kind that--went to your head--Mums. You
know that--sparkling."

"I have wondered," Mrs. Beaufort said, slowly, "if anything happened
while I was away."

"What could happen----"

His mother sighed. "Nothing, I suppose----" She let it go at that. Her
intuitions carried her towards the truth. She had learned from Mandy and
the Judge that Dalton had spent much time at Huntersfield in her
absence. Becky never mentioned him. Her silence spoke eloquently, Mrs.
Beaufort felt, of something