him. I wish I
had. But he can go to Elmer's. He wouldn't mind so much--at least I hope
he wouldn't--and there's a garage for the car over there. I spoke to him
about it and he's only waitin' for you to say the word, Mr. Cabot."

The visitor protested a bit more and then yielded. "Frankly, Miss
Phipps," he said, "I have been wanting to stay ever since I entered your
door. This house takes me back to my boyhood, when I used to visit my
great-uncle Hiram down at Ostable. You remember him, Galusha, Uncle
Hiram's dining room had the same wholesome, homey atmosphere that yours
has, Miss Phipps. And I honestly believe I haven't enjoyed a meal since
those old days as I have enjoyed this supper of yours."

Martha colored with pleasure. Galusha, forgetting his powder barrel,
beamed in sympathy.

"But there is just one more thing," continued Cousin Gussie. "You
and Bangs were going out somewhere, were expected at some--er--social
affair, weren't you?"

Miss Phipps and her lodger exchanged looks. Both appeared embarrassed.

"Well--well, you see," faltered the former. Then, after a moment's
reflection, she added, "Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Cabot."

She did tell him, briefly, of Captain Hallett's spirit obsession, of
her friendship and sympathy for Lulie. She said nothing, of course,
concerning the latter's love story.

"So," she said, in conclusion, "although I haven't the least bit of
belief in Marietta Hoag or any of her seances, I am sorry for Cap'n
Jethro and I am very fond of Lulie. She is worried, I know, and she
has asked me to be there tonight. You and Mr. Bangs will excuse me,
everything considered, won't you?"

But Galusha had something to say. "Miss Martha," he said, "I am afraid I
must go, too. I promised Mr.--ah--um--I mean I promised Lulie I would be
there. And this is going to be a very important seance."

Martha turned to him.

"It is?" she asked. "Important--how? What do you mean?"

Her lodger looked as if he had said more than he intended. Also as if he
did not know what to say next. But Cabot saved him the trouble.

"I wonder if I might attend this--er--function?" he suggested. "It is
in the nature of a public affair, isn't it? And," with a twinkle of the
eye, "it sounds as if it might be interesting."

Galusha and Miss Phipps regarded him gravely. Both seemed a little
troubled. It was Martha who answered.

"There isn't any real reason why you shouldn't go, if you want to, Mr.
Cabot," she said. "Th