fternoon, seemed
longer and more trying than the trip over. The dream of raising money
for the spring additions and alterations was over; the High Cliff House
must do its best as it was for another year at least. As to the renewal
of the mortgage, there was a faint hope. Mr. Cobb's final remarks had
inspired that hope. He had been on the point of refusing to renew,
Thankful was sure of that. Then something was said which caused him
to hesitate. Mrs. Barnes looked out between the ears of jogging George
Washington and spoke her thought aloud.

"It's somethin' to do with Uncle Abner," she soliloquized. "He don't
like to have Uncle Abner mentioned. Hum! I wonder what the reason is. I
only wish I knew."

To Emily, who was eagerly waiting to hear the result of her cousin's
visit to Solomon Cobb, Thankful told but a portion of the truth. She
did say, however, that the additional loan appeared to be out of the
question and she guessed they would have to get on without the needed
alterations for another year. Emily thought they should not.

"If this place is to become really profitable, Auntie," she insisted,
"those changes should be made. I don't see why this Mr. Cobb won't lend
you the money; but, if he won't, then I'm sure someone else will, if you
ask. Don't you know anyone here in East Wellmouth whom you might ask for
a loan--on your prospects?"

"No. No, I don't."

"Why, yes, you do. There is Captain Bangs, for instance. He is well to
do, and I'm sure he is a good friend. Why don't you ask him?"

Thankful's answer was prompt and sharp.

"Indeed I shan't," she declared.

"Then I will. I'll be glad to."

"Emily Howes, if you say one word to Cap'n Obed about borrowin' money
from him I'll--I'll never speak to you afterwards. Go to Captain Obed.
The idea!"

"But why not, Auntie? He IS a friend, and--"

"Of course he is; that's the very reason. He is a friend and he'd
probably lend it because he is, whether he knew he'd ever get it back
or not. No, when I borrow money it'll be of somebody that lends it as a
business deal, not from friendship."

"But, Auntie, you went to Mr. Cobb because he was your relative. You
said that was the very reason why you went to him."

"Um, yes. Well, I may have GONE to him for that reason, but there ain't
any relationship in that mortgage of his; don't you get the notion that
there is."

Emily's next question, naturally, concerned the renewal of that
mortgage. Mrs. Barnes said sho