in the midst of the rain.

"Yes," she answered, stepping out and closing the door.

"Where is Tom?" the Major inquired.

"He hasn't come home."

"He ought to go. I wonder where he can be."

"He could be most any place," she answered; and as she stepped under
the umbrella to walk with him to the gate, she added: "But I think he is
at Wash Sanders' house."

He helped her into the carriage, took a seat beside her, and shut the
door with a slam. "As fast as you can!" he shouted to the driver. They
sat a long time in silence, listening to the rain and the hoofs of the
horses sloshing in the wet sand. The carriage stopped.

"What's the matter?"

"De bayou, sah."

"Drive on."

"De bridge is full o' holes."

"Drive through."

"De water's mighty high."

"Drive through."

Down they went with a splash. The carriage swayed, was lifted, was swung
round--the horses lunged; one of the doors was burst open and the water
poured in. Mrs. Cranceford clung to the Major, but she uttered not a
word. Up the slippery bank the horses strained. One of them fell, but he
was up in a moment. Firmer footing was gained, and the road was reached.
Now they were in a lane. The Major struck a match and looked at his
watch. It was nearly two o'clock. Across the fields came a light--from
Louise's window.

The carriage drew up at the gate.

"That you, Major?" a voice asked.

"Yes. Why, how did you get here, Jim?"

"Tore down the fences and rode across the fields."

"How is he?" the Major asked, helping his wife to the ground.

"I haven't been in--been walking up and down out here. Thought I'd wait
for you."

At the entrance of the passageway Louise met them. She kissed her
mother, saying not a word. The Major held out his arms toward her. She
pretended not to notice this complete surrender; she took his hand and
turned her face from him.

"My poor little girl, I----"

She dropped his hand, opened the door of a room opposite the dying man's
chamber and said: "Step in here, please. Mother, you and Jim may come
with me."

The old man broke down. "My precious child, God knows----"

"Will you please step in here? I will come with you. Mother, you and
Jim----" She pointed to the door of her husband's room. In sorrowful
obedience the Major bowed his head and crossed the threshold. In the
room was a fire and on the mantel-piece a lamp was burning.

"Sit down," she said.

"Louise, I have not deserved this."

"Take the rocking