are, I wish you
might have been there. The way they applauded! And the entertainment
they gave me! And the reporters after interviews! And the things the
women of the other Chapters said! Oh, Daniel, it was splendid!"

Lunch was a mere formality on her part. She talked incessantly, while
Cousin Percy and her husband listened. Mr. Hungerford's congratulations
were hearty. His praise was as close to fulsome flattery as it could be
and not overstep the mark.

Daniel offered congratulations, too. He was glad that his wife had
succeeded, but the pleasure was solely because of her happiness. He was
not as happy on his own account. Several remarks which Serena had
made seemed to prophesy that the excursion to Atterbury was but the
beginning.

All that afternoon Mrs. Dott spent in her room. She was going to be very
busy, she said, and she must not be interrupted. It was only just before
dinner that the captain found a moment for an uninterrupted interview.
He entered the room to find her seated at the writing table, her fingers
ink-stained, and the table covered with closely written sheets of
manuscripts. She looked up when he appeared.

"Oh," she said, "I'm so tired! I've written steadily all the afternoon.
My report had to be ready, and there was so much to say."

Daniel regarded her gravely. "You look tired, Serena. You're doin'
altogether too much of this sort of thing. You ought to stop, or you'll
be sick. Now, you just rest a while. My, it does seem good to have you
back again! We can have an evening together now. I'll tell you what
we'll do: You tell Hungerford you're tired and then come right up here,
and I'll come, too. Then we can sit and talk. I've got so much to say to
you."

But Serena shook her head. "No, Daniel," she said. "I can't talk
to-night."

"Then don't; I'll do the talkin'. Land's sakes! it'll be enough just to
look at you. I don't feel as if I'd seen you for a hundred years."

Another shake of the head. "I'm sorry, Daniel, but I can't be with you
at all to-night. I must present my report to the Chapter and I shall
probably not be home till very late."

Daniel sprang from his chair. "Serena Dott!" he cried. "Do you mean
to tell me that you're goin' out to that Chapter thing again TO-NIGHT!
after bein' away from me all this time! Why, you've just got home!"

"I can't help it, Daniel. I must present my report. It's my duty to do
it. The Chapter expects me and I must be there."

"Expects you! _