I are different, in some ways; but, then, he's younger by a good many
years."

Gertrude nodded slowly. "I see," she said. "You've made up your mind
not to tell me anything, haven't you, Daddy? You wouldn't hurt anyone's
feelings for the world, and you are afraid I may blame Mother. Well,
I am not going to blame anyone yet. And I am not going to quiz you any
longer. But I came home to find out things, and I am going to find out.
If you won't help me, I must help myself."

Her father leaned forward and patted her hand.

"Now--now, Gertie," he pleaded nervously, "don't be foolish.
Everything's all right, I tell you. Don't go stirrin' up any trouble.
I am so tickled to have you here I don't know what to do. Let's be
contented with that. Let's just be happy together. Don't--Hello! here
comes the Chapter folks now, I guess. Maybe your mother won't be glad to
see you! Oh, Serena, who do you think is here? I'll bet you'll be some
surprised!"

There was no doubt of the surprise; neither was there any doubt as
to Serena's joy at seeing her daughter. An outburst of greetings and
questions and explanations followed. Gertrude explained that she had had
an opportunity to leave college a week earlier than the end of the term
and had availed herself of it.

"I just had to see you and father," she declared. "I couldn't wait any
longer. I've been telling father so; haven't I, Daddy?"

She accompanied this question with a glance which Captain Dan recognized
as a warning. He nodded.

"Yes," he said.

Serena suddenly remembered that the family was not alone.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "What have I been thinking of? Your coming
home like this, Gertie, has made me forget everything else. Cousin
Percy--Why, where is Cousin Percy?"

Mr. Hungerford, who, from motives of delicacy or other reasons, had
stepped back into the hall, where he could see and hear without being
too conspicuous, now made his appearance.

"Gertrude," said Mrs. Dott, "this is our cousin, Mr. Percy Hungerford.
You've heard him spoken of. Oh, yes--why, you and he have met. I
remember now, so you have."

Mr. Hungerford bowed.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Dott one evening a year or two ago,"
he observed politely. "No doubt she has forgotten me, however, by this
time."

Gertrude shook her head.

"Oh, no," she said. "I remember you very well, indeed. How do you do,
Mr. Hungerford?"

The young gentleman announced that he was quite well. He made a move as