hat
instantly arrested Lucy's attention. It was a fine, almost classic
countenance which bespoke high thinking and a respect for its own soul.
The eyes were gray and kindly, and in contrast to the undisguised dismay
of her sisters, Jane's attitude was one of unruffled composure.

"You want some eggs?" she began with directness.

"If you can spare a dozen."

"I reckon we can."

"Now, Jane----" interrupted Mary nervously.

"Do be careful, Jane," chimed in Eliza.

"I have a right to----" but the resolute Jane was not permitted to finish
her declaration.

"Martin won't----" interpolated Mary.

"You know Martin will be dretful put out," protested Eliza at the same
instant.

"I can't help it if he is," asserted Jane impatiently. "I ain't obliged to
think as he does, am I?"

"He'll be--oh, Jane!" Eliza implored.

"I'll take all the blame."

"I don't know what he'll say," pleaded Mary.

"Well, I'm going to get the eggs, anyhow," announced Jane, cutting short
further argument by moving away.

During this enigmatic dialogue, Lucy's mystified gaze traveled from the
face of one woman to that of another. What was it all about? And who was
this Martin that he should inspire such terror?

"I'm afraid," she called to the retreating Jane, "you'd rather not----"

"It's all right, my dear," replied Jane cordially. "We're glad to let you
have the eggs. I'll get them right away. It won't take me a second."

She disappeared behind the paneled door at the end of the hall, and
presently Mary and Eliza, who had loitered irresolutely, uncertain whether
to go or stay, followed her.

Left to herself, Lucy looked idly across the sunny landscape. Against the
sky line at the top of the hill she could see a tall, masculine figure
delving in the garden.

"That must be Martin-the-Terrible," she observed. "He doesn't look like
such an ogre."

The banging of the door heralded Jane's approach. She held in her hand a
neatly tied package, and over her shoulders peered Mary and Eliza.

"The eggs will be sixty-seven cents," Jane said in a businesslike tone.
"That is the regular market price. I'd carry the box this side up if I
were you."

Lucy counted the change into the woman's palm.

"You have such a pretty home," she murmured as she did so.

"We like it," replied Jane pleasantly.

"I don't wonder. The view from this porch is beautiful. Sometime I hope
you'll let me come over and see you."

Lucy heard two faint simultaneous