me say imprudence, to tell your father
that you had been killed on the railroad."

"Where could she have heard such a report?"

"I am not sure that she heard it at all," said Ashcroft, in a low voice.
"She knew that your father had heart disease."

CHAPTER XL.

CONCLUSION.

At this moment Mrs. Crawford re-entered the room.

"What brings you here?" she demanded, coolly, of Carl.

"I came here because this is my father's house, madam."

"You have behaved badly to me," said Mrs. Crawford. "You have defied
my authority, and brought sorrow and distress to your good father. I
thought you would have the good sense to stay away."

"Do you indorse this, father?" asked Carl, turning to Dr. Crawford.

"No!" answered his father, with unwonted energy. "My house will always
be your home."

"You seem to have changed your mind, Dr. Crawford," sneered his wife.

"Where did you pick up the report of Carl's being killed on the
railroad?" asked the doctor, sternly.

"Peter heard it in the village," said Mrs. Crawford, carelessly.

"Did it occur to you that the sudden news might injure your husband?"
asked Ashcroft.

"I spoke too impulsively. I realize too late my imprudence," said Mrs.
Crawford, coolly. "Have you lost your place?" she asked, addressing
Carl.

"No. I have just returned from Chicago."

His stepmother looked surprised.

"We have had a quiet time since you left us," she said. "If you value
your father's health and peace of mind, you will not remain here."

"Is my presence also unwelcome?" asked Ashcroft.

"You have not treated me with respect," replied Mrs. Crawford. "If you
are a gentleman, you will understand that under the circumstances it
will be wise for you to take your departure."

"Leaving my old friend to your care?"

"Yes, that will be best."

"Mr. Ashcroft, can I have a few minutes' conversation with you?" asked
Carl.

"Certainly."

They left the room together, followed by an uneasy and suspicious glance
from Mrs. Crawford.

Carl hurriedly communicated to his father's friend what he had learned
about his stepmother.

"Mr. Cook, Peter's father, is just outside," he said. "Shall I call him
in?"

"I think we had better do so, but arrange that the interview shall take
place without your father's knowledge. He must not be excited. Call him
in, and then summon your stepmother."

"Mrs. Crawford," said Carl, re-entering his father's room, "Mr. Ashcroft
would like to have a few w