at they had decided to give me a
vacation, with pay, until next fall, and even longer if I felt that I
needed it, you may be sure I didn't refuse their kind offer. I thanked
them and said yes before they could have changed their minds, even if
they had wished to. They said I should go into the country. That was
just where I wanted to go, and so here I am, IN the country. Aren't you
glad?"

"Glad! Don't talk! But, Emily, if you ain't well, don't you think--"

"I am well. Don't say another word about that. And, Oh, the things I
mean to do to help you, Aunt Thankful!"

"Help me! Indeed you won't! You'll rest and get strong again, that's
what you'll do. I don't need any help."

"Oh, yes, you do. I know it."

"How do you know?"

For just an instant Emily glanced at Captain Bangs. The captain's face
expressed alarm and embarrassment. He was standing where Mrs. Barnes
could not see him and he shook his head warningly. Miss Howes' eyes
twinkled, but she did not smile.

"Oh, I knew!" she repeated.

"But HOW did you know? I never wrote you such a thing, sartin."

"Of course you didn't. But I knew because--well, just because. Everyone
who takes boarders needs help. It's a--it's a chronic condition. Now,
Auntie, don't you think you could find some supper for me? Not much,
but just a little. For an invalid ordered to the country I am awfully
hungry."

That was enough for Thankful. She seized her cousin by the arm and
hurried her into the dining-room. A few moments later she reappeared to
order Miss Howes' trunk carried upstairs to the "blue room."

"You'll have to excuse me, folks," she said, addressing her guests.
"I know I didn't introduce you to Emily. I was so flustered and--and
tickled to see her that I forgot everything, manners and all. Soon's
she's had a bite to eat I'll try to make up. You'll forgive me, won't
you?"

When she had gone Captain Obed was bombarded with questions. Who was the
young lady? Where did she come from? If she was only a cousin, why did
she call Mrs. Barnes "Auntie"? And many others.

Captain Obed answered as best he could.

"She's real pretty, isn't she," affirmed Miss Timpson. "I don't know
when I've seen a prettier woman. Such eyes! And such hair! Ah hum!
When I was her age folks used to tell me I had real wonderful hair. You
remember that, don't you, Mr. Hammond?"

Mr. Hammond chuckled. "I remember lots of things," he observed
diplomatically.

"You think she's pretty, don't yo