America."

Mrs. Loring looked as if she were quite capable of this rather radical
proceeding, and very much, too, as if any growing love for Lavendar
that she might have, would easily give way under this new pressure of
circumstances.

"This is the situation in a nutshell," said Lavendar, filling his
pipe. "Mrs. de Tracy is entirely within her legal rights when she asks
Mrs. Prettyman to leave the cottage; legally right also when she
declines to give compensation for the plum tree that has been a source
of income; financially right moreover in selling cottage and land at a
fancy price to find money for needed improvements on the estate."

"None of this can be denied, I allow."

"All these legal rights could have been softened if Mrs. de Tracy had
been willing to soften them, but unfortunately she has been put on the
defensive. She did not like it when I opposed her in the first place.
She did not like it when my father advised her to make some small
settlement, as he did, several days ago. She resented Mrs. Prettyman's
assumption of owning the plum tree; she was outraged at your valiant
espousing of your nurse's cause."

"I see; we have simply made her more determined in her injustice."

"Now it is all very well for you to show your mettle," Lavendar went
on, "for you to endure your aunt's displeasure rather than give up a
cause you know to be just; but look where it lands us."

Robinette raised her troubled eyes to Lavendar's, giving a sigh to
show she realized that her landing-place would be wherever the lawyer
fixed it, not where she wished it.

"Go on," she sighed patiently.

"Your legal adviser regards it as impossible that you should come over
from America and quarrel with your mother's family;--your only family,
in point of fact. If this affair is fought to a finish you will feel
like leaving your aunt's house."

"I shouldn't have to wait for that feeling," said Robinette
irrepressibly. "Aunt de Tracy would have it first!"

"In such an event I could and would stand by you, naturally."

"_Would_ you?" cried Robinette glowing instantly like a jewel.

Lavendar looked at her in amazement. "Pray what do you take me for? On
whose side could I, should I be, my dear--my dear Mrs. Loring? But to
keep to business. In the event stated above, neither my father nor I
could very well continue to have charge of the estate. That is a small
matter, but increases the difficulties, owing to a long friendship
dating