"Callie." All that paint and powder and lipstick and
brilliantine could do to make the ponderous, big woman more ghastly had
been done, but in the rush of the long ride through which her husband
had forced her, the colors had mixed and slipped, the false waves were
displaced. She was not in any condition to criticize the appearance
of another woman. For one second Eileen hesitated, then she lifted her
shaking hands to her hat.

"I have been hounded out of my senses," she said apologetically, "and
have been so terribly anxious for fear you wouldn't get here on time.
Please, Aunt Caroline, let us go to a hotel, some place where we can
straighten up comfortably."

"Well, what's your hurry?" said Aunt Caroline coolly. "You're not a
fugitive from justice, are you? Can't a body rest a few minutes and have
a drink, even? Besides, I am going to see what kind of a place you've
been living in, and then I'll know how thankful you'll be for what we
got to offer."

Eileen turned and threw open the door. The big woman walked in. She
looked down the hall, up the stairway, and went on to the living room.
She gave it one contemptuous glance, and turning, came back to the door.

"All right, Jim," she said brusquely. "I have seen enough. If you know
the best hotel in the town, take me there. And then, if Eileen's in such
a hurry, after we have had a bite we'll start for home."

"Thank you, Aunt Caroline, oh, thank you!" cried Eileen.

"You needn't take the trouble to 'aunt' me every time you speak to me,"
said the lady. "I know you're my niece, but I ain't goin' to remind you
of it every time I speak to you. It's agein', this 'auntie' business.
I don't stand for it, and as for a name, I am free to confess I always
like the way Jim calls me 'Callie.' That sounds younger and more
companionable than 'Caroline.'"

James Heitman looked at Eileen and winked.

"You just bet, old girl!" he said. "They ain't any of them can beat
you, not even Eileen at her best. Let's get her out of here. Does this
represent your luggage, girlie?"

"You said not to bother with anything else," said Eileen.

"So I did," said Uncle Jim, "and I meant just what I said if it's all
right with you. I suppose I did have, in the back of my head, an idea
that there might be a trunk or a box--some things that belonged to your
mother, mebby, and your 'keepsakes.'"

"Oh, never mind," interrupted Eileen. "Do let's go. It's nearly four
o'clock. Any minute they may se