en never can get
round without wasting a lot of time." Sallie's glance must have
brought him to his senses, for he added hastily, "City women, I mean."

"Hm! She won't touch Parson Thayer's china--not if I know myself!"
Sallie disappeared with Miss Redmond's second egg. When she returned,
she delivered a message to the effect that Miss Redmond wished to see
Mr. Hand when he had finished his luncheon. He was off instantly,
calling, "Watch that broth, Sallie!"

It was a different Hand, however, who entered Miss Redmond's room a
moment later. His half impudent manner changed to distant respect,
tinged with a sort of personal adoration. Agatha felt it, though it
was too intangible to be taken notice of, either for rebuke or reward.
Agatha was sitting in a rocking-chair by the window, sipping her tea
out of the best tea-cup, her tray on a stand in front of her. She
looked excited and flushed, but her eyes were tired.

"Can I do anything for you, Mademoiselle?" Hand inquired courteously.

"Yes, please," answered Agatha, and paused a moment, as if to recall
her thoughts in order. Hand was very presentable, in negligee shirt
which Sallie must have washed while he was asleep. He was one of those
people who look best in their working or sporting clothes, ruddy, clean
and strong. He would have dwindled absolutely into the commonplace in
Sunday clothes, if he was ever so rash as to have any.

"I wish to talk with you a little," said Agatha. "We haven't had much
opportunity of talking, so far; and perhaps it is time that we
understand each other a little better."

"As mademoiselle wishes," conceded Hand.

"In the first place," Agatha went on, "I must tell you that Mrs.
Stoddard is coming to help nurse Mr. Hambleton. You have been very
good to stay with us so long; and if you will stay on, I shall be glad.
But Doctor Thayer thinks you should have help, and so do I. Especially
for the next few days."

"That is entirely agreeable to me, Mademoiselle."

"Will you tell me what--what remuneration you were receiving as
chauffeur?"

"Pardon me, but that is unnecessary, Mademoiselle. If you will allow
me to stay here, either taking care of Mr. Hambleton or in any outdoor
work, for a week or as long as you may need me, I shall consider myself
repaid."

Agatha was silent while she buttered a last bit of toast. Hand's
reticence and evident secretiveness were baffling. She had no
intention of letting the point of wa