cuses for not accepting the invitation numerous if not
convincing. But at last he yielded and sat reluctantly down to the
first meal he had eaten in that house for five years.

Mrs. Armstrong, realizing his embarrassment, did not urge him to
talk and Barbara, although she chattered continuously, did not seem
to expect answers to her questions. So Jed ate a little, spoke a
little, and thought a great deal. And by the time dinner was over
some of his shyness and awkwardness had worn away. He insisted
upon helping with the dishes and, because she saw that he would be
hurt if she did not, his hostess permitted him to do so.

"You see, ma'am," he said, "I've been doin' dishes for a
consider'ble spell, more years than I like to count. I ought to be
able to do 'em fair to middlin' well. But," he added, as much to
himself as to her, "I don't know as that's any sign. There's so
many things I ought to be able to do like other folks--and can't.
I'm afraid you may not be satisfied, after all, ma'am," he went on.
"I suppose you're a kind of an expert, as you might say."

She shook her head. "I fear I'm no expert, Mr. Winslow," she
answered, just a little sadly, so it seemed to him. "Barbara and I
are learning, that is all."

"Nora used to do the dishes at home," put in Barbara. "Mamma
hardly ever--"

"Hush, dear," interrupted her mother. "Mr. Winslow wouldn't be
interested."

After considerable urging Jed consented to sit a while in the
living-room. He was less reluctant to talk by this time and, the
war creeping into the conversation, as it does into all
conversations nowadays, they spoke of recent happenings at home and
abroad. Mrs. Armstrong was surprised to find how well informed her
landlord was concerning the world struggle, its causes and its
progress.

"Why, no, ma'am," he said, in answer to a remark of hers; "I ain't
read it up much, as I know of, except in the newspapers. I ain't
an educated man. Maybe--" with his slow smile--"maybe you've
guessed as much as that already."

"I know that you have talked more intelligently on this war than
any one else I have heard since I came to this town," she declared,
emphatically. "Even Captain Hunniwell has never, in my hearing,
stated the case against Germany as clearly as you put it just now;
and I have heard him talk a good deal."

Jed was evidently greatly pleased, but he characteristically tried
not to show it. "Well, now, ma'am," he drawled, "I'm af