s of this
centre-way were concrete walks, with cross-walks from the curbs to
the houses. There were six of these--three on each side--standing on
a raised terrace and about two hundred feet apart. Beyond them, to
the northward, Stafford Park was still a wilderness of second-growth
hardwood, interspersed with a few cedars.

Honora's house, the first on the right, was exactly like the other five.
If we look at it through her eyes, we shall find this similarity
its main drawback. If we are a little older, however, and more
sophisticated, we shall suspect the owner of Stafford Park and his
architect of a design to make it appear imposing. It was (indefinite
and much-abused term) Colonial; painted white; and double, with dormer
windows of diagonal wood-surrounded panes in the roof. There was a
large pillared porch on its least private side--namely, the front. A
white-capped maid stood in the open doorway and smiled at Honora as she
entered.

Honora walked through the rooms. There was nothing intricate about the
house; it was as simple as two times four, and really too large for her
and Howard. Her presents were installed, the pictures and photograph
frames and chairs, even Mr. Isham's dining-room table and Cousin
Eleanor's piano. The sight of these, and of the engraving which Aunt
Mary had sent on, and which all her childhood had hung over her bed in
the little room at home, brought the tears once more to her eyes. But
she forced them back bravely.

These reflections were interrupted by the appearance of the little maid
announcing that tea was ready, and bringing her two letters. One was
from Susan Holt, and the other, written in a large, slanting, and
angular handwriting, was signed Lily Dallam. It was dated from New York.

"My dear Honora," it ran, "I feel that I must call you so, for Sid and
Howard, in addition to being partners, are such friends. I hesitated so
long about furnishing your house, my dear, but Howard insisted, and said
he wished to surprise you. I am sending you this line to welcome you,
and to tell you that I have arranged with the furniture people to take
any or all things back that you do not like, and exchange them. After
all, they will be out of date in a few years, and Howard and Sid will
have made so much money by that time, I hope, that I shall be able to
leave my apartment, which is dear, and you will be coming to town."

Honora laid down the sheet, and began to tidy her hair before the glass