hile groceries, flannels, dress prints, and glass bottles of sweet
stuff filled the shelves. "Mr. Tewson's" was the central point of
Stornham in a commercial sense. The establishment had also certain
social qualifications.

Mr. Tewson knew the secrets of all hearts within the village radius,
also the secrets of all constitutions. He knew by some occult means who
had been "taken bad," or who had "taken a turn," and was aware at once
when anyone was "sinkin' fast." With such differences of opinion as
occasionally arose between the vicar and his churchwardens he was
immediately familiar. The history of the fever among the hop pickers at
Dunstan village he had been able to relate in detail from the moment of
its outbreak. It was he who had first dramatically revealed the truth of
the action Miss Vanderpoel had taken in the matter, which revelation had
aroused such enthusiasm as had filled The Clock Inn to overflowing and
given an impetus to the sale of beer. Tread, it was said, had even
made a speech which he had ended with vague but excellent intentions by
proposing the joint healths of her ladyship's sister and the "President
of America." Mr. Tewson was always glad to see Miss Vanderpoel cross his
threshold. This was not alone because she represented the custom of the
Court, which since her arrival had meant large regular orders and large
bills promptly paid, but that she brought with her an exotic atmosphere
of interest and excitement.

He had mentioned to friends that somehow a talk with her made him feel
"set up for the day." Betty was not at all sure that he did not prepare
and hoard up choice remarks or bits of information as openings to
conversation.

This morning he had thrilling news for her and began with it at once.

"Dr. Fenwick at Stornham is very low, miss," he said. "He's very low,
you'll be sorry to hear. The worry about the fever upset him terrible
and his bronchitis took him bad. He's an old man, you know."

Miss Vanderpoel was very sorry to hear it. It was quite in the natural
order of things that she should ask other questions about Dunstan
village and the Mount, and she asked several.

The fever was dying out and pale convalescents were sometimes seen in
the village or strolling about the park. His lordship was taking care
of the people and doing his best for them until they should be strong
enough to return to their homes.

"But he's very strict about making it plain that it's you, miss, they