eager. Passion
expresses itself variously. The stern old grandfather abased and
denied the physical and material needs. Emily exulted in the very
sheen of rich fabric, in the feel of satin laid to cheek. Was the
grandchild but fulfilling the law of reaction? The soul of Emily and
the soul of the old preacher saw each other across a vast abyss.

"It's for the Orbisons' I need a dress," said Emily. "Of course, I
know it's because I have a voice I'm asked."

Yet, knowing that for herself she never would have been asked, there
was exultation in Emily's tone.

Alexina got up suddenly. Somehow she didn't want to discuss the
Leroys with Emily after all.

Down-stairs she stopped again in the spotless, shining kitchen, the
clean odour where soft-soap is used always lingering. Alexina liked
it; all her knowledge of the dear homely details of life she was
familiar with, she had gotten here.

"You remember the Leroys?" she asked Mrs. Carringford.

"Why, yes; I sent them milk twice a day."

"Did you know why they went away?"

"Wasn't it because they had put everything into that--er--" She
stopped.

"Boat?" suggested the girl.

"Boat"--Mrs. Carringford accepted the word--"and so had to, after it
was--er--"

"Sold," supplied Alexina. "Did you--did people know who it was held
the mortgage?"

The plain-spoken Mrs. Carringford looked embarrassed. "Well, Alexina,
you know how it is in a neighbourhood."

"Then you knew the boat was bought in for me?"

"Why, yes; I did."

"Did the Leroys know it?"

"Why, naturally, I should suppose so."

That was all that Alexina wanted to know, yet not all, either. Her
colour rose a little. It made her pretty. "Do you know anything of the
Leroys since?"

"Not a word," said Mrs. Carringford.

"What do you hear from Miss Harriet and Major Rathbone?"

"They are still East. Dr. Ransome came back yesterday."

"Yes; I know he did," said Mrs. Carringford. "He was here to see
Emily last night. He's a nice boy." There was emphasis in her way of
making the statement. Harriet Blair had once remarked that Mrs.
Carringford was that anomaly--a sane woman. Yet she opposed the visits
of Austen Blair and spoke heartily concerning the other one. "Garrard
is a nice boy; I like him."

CHAPTER SIX

Alexina became twenty-one in May. She had found that in the settling
of her affairs it would be necessary for her to remain in Louisville
and so had written her mother to come to her there. S