the trunk-top where she had dropped beside her. She
remembered the fear, half expressed, on the schoolhouse steps two days
before and drew within herself, sick with life.

"Can I put my trunk away?" she asked, to break the awkward silence she
felt coming.

"Yes," was the relieved answer, and each took a handle, carrying the light
piece of baggage to the bedroom. At the door Elizabeth stopped short. A
strange coat and vest were spread carelessly over the bed, and a razor
strop lay across the back of the little rocking chair.

"Oh, I forgot!" Susan Hornby exclaimed, sweeping the offending male attire
into her apron. "A young fellow stopped last night and asked to stay till
he could get a house built on that land west of Hunter's. You're going to
have a bachelor for a neighbour."

"Who?" Elizabeth asked, and then added, "What will he do for a room if I
take this one?"

"I don't know," Aunt Susan replied to the last clause of the question.
"The room is yours, anyhow. I'm so glad to have you back that I'd turn him
out if need be. Honestly, we could hardly eat Saturday. Nate was as bad as
I was. They've gone to Colebyville together to-day. I'm glad Nate's got
him--he's lonesome enough these days."

It was Elizabeth's turn to cheer up Aunt Susan, for she always fell into a
gloom when she mentioned Nathan. It took Elizabeth's mind from her own
affairs, and by the time the unpacking was finished the volatile spirits
of youth had asserted themselves. They took a walk toward evening, and
only returned in time to meet John Hunter, who had come to see his
betrothed about a trip he had decided suddenly to take to Mitchell County.
He had spoken of it to Elizabeth before, and had only waited to get his
mother established and a desirable hired man to run the place in his
absence. The man had come that day asking for work and giving good
references and John had decided to go at once.

In the excitement of preparation John seemed to have forgotten the
discomforts of the morning, and though he soon took his departure, he left
Elizabeth less unhappy than she had been. Nathan and the new man were
coming in the distance as John Hunter drove away, and the girl turned back
into the kitchen to help with the supper.

* * * * *

"Lizzie Farnshaw! And you are the Elizabeth these folk have been talkin'
about? Well, I'll be hornswoggled!"

Nathan and the new boarder had just come in.

"Is it re