at their visitor might be wanting
supper, the thoughtful woman had put the kettle on the stove, where it
was sending forth volumes of steam just as Morris appeared. If he went
to New York with Katy he must trust Mrs. Hull with his reasons for
going, and as from past experience he believed she could be trusted, he
frankly told her that Mrs. Wilford Cameron was in the library; that
circumstances rendered it desirable for her to return to New York as
soon as possible; that as she could not go alone he must of course go
with her, and he expected Mrs. Hull not only to help him off, but also
to keep the fact of Katy's having been there a secret from every one.

"Some trouble with that high-headed husband of hers; I always mistrusted
him," was Mrs. Hull's mental conclusion, as she nodded assent to what
Morris had said, asking if he proposed taking the early morning train
which passed at four o'clock, and who did he expect would drive his
cutter back, as the boys would not be home before broad daylight.

Here was a dilemma of which Morris had not thought, but Mrs. Hull's
woman's wits came to his aid, suggesting that he "leave his horse at the
tavern in West Silverton and she would send John after it as soon as he
returned."

This arranged, Mrs. Hull next asked if Katy would not have some supper
before her long ride.

"A cup of tea and a slice of toast was all she would require," Morris
said, and he felt many doubts about her touching that.

She was sleeping when he returned to her, but when the tea was ready,
she roused up enough to say she did not want it.

"Make her drink it if you ever expect to get her to New York," Mrs. Hull
suggested, alarmed at the redness of Katy's face, and the brightness of
her eyes.

"You must drink it," Morris said. "It will make you stronger for the
ride. We are going very soon, you know--going to New York," and he shook
her shoulder gently as he tried to make her comprehend.

When he said she must, Katy lifted up her head, doing whatever he bade
her do, and seeming more natural for the exertion and the food she took.

"Let me rest now for a little while," she said, and lying back upon her
pillow she slept for an hour, while Morris knelt beside her, counting
her rapid pulse, marking the progress of the fever and praying
earnestly that she might be able to reach New York, and that no serious
consequences would result from his taking her there that night.

To others it might seem a crazy p