ned this house. Consequently
he wouldn't be likely to allow it to be shut up forever in this queer
way. He'd come back after a while and do what he pleased with it. No, I
don't think it was her husband, or that she was married at all. It must
have been either a sister or brother,--a younger one probably,--and the
Lovely Lady loved her--or him--better than any one else in the world."

"Look here!" interrupted Cynthia, suddenly. "There's the easiest way to
decide all this!"

"What is it?" cried Joyce, opening her eyes wide.

"Why, just go in there and turn that picture in the drawing-room
around!"

"Oh, Cynthia, you jewel! Of _course_ it will be the easiest way! What
geese we are to have waited so long! Only it will be a heavy thing to
lift. But the time has come when it must be done. Let's go right away!"

Full of new enthusiasm, they scrambled to their feet, approached the
cellar window by a circuitous route (they were always very careful that
they should not be observed in this), and were soon in the dim cellar
lighting their candles. Then they scurried up-stairs, entered the
drawing-room, and set their candlesticks on the table. After that they
removed all the breakable ornaments from the mantel and drew another
chair close to the fireplace.

"Now," commanded Joyce, stepping on the seat of one while Cynthia
mounted the other, "be awfully careful. That red silk cord it hangs by
is perfectly rotten. I'm surprised it hasn't given way before this.
Probably, as soon as we touch the picture the cord will break. If so,
let the picture down gently to rest on the mantel. Ready!"

They reached out and grasped the heavy frame. True to Joy's prediction,
the silk cord snapped at once, and the picture's whole weight rested in
their hands.

"Quick!" cried Cynthia. "I can't hold it any longer!" And with a thud,
the heavy burden slipped to the mantel. But there was no damage done
and, feeling on the other side Joyce discovered that it had no glass.

"Now what?" asked Cynthia.

"We must turn it around as it rests here. We can easily balance it on
the mantel." With infinite caution, and some threatened mishaps, they
finally got it into position, right side to the front, and sprang down
to get their candles. On holding them close, however, the picture was
found to be so coated with gray dust that absolutely nothing was
distinguishable.

"Get the dust-rag!" ordered Joyce. And Cynthia, all excitement, rushed
down cellar to fi