l thing. Did I say anything about renewin'
it when I took it? I don't remember that I did."

"No, no--I guess you didn't. But I hope you will. If you
don't--I--I--Solomon Cobb, that boardin'-house means everything to me.
I've put all I've got in it. It has got the best kind of a start and in
another year--I--I--Please, Oh PLEASE don't close me out."

"Humph!"

"Please don't. You told me when I was here before what a lot you thought
of my Uncle Abner. You knew how much he thought of me. When you think of
him and what he said--"

Mr. Cobb interrupted. "Said?" he repeated, sharply. "What do you mean he
said? Eh? What do YOU know he said?"

"Why--why, he told you about me. You said yourself he did. How much he
thought of me, and all."

"Is that all you meant?"

"Yes, of course. What else is there to mean? Solomon, you profess to be
a Christian. You knew my uncle. He did lots of favors for you; I know he
did. Now--"

"Sshh! shh!" Mr. Cobb seemed strangely perturbed. He waved his hand.
"Hush!" he repeated. "What are you draggin' Cap'n Abner and Christianity
and all that in for? They ain't got nothin' to do with that mortgage.
Who said they had?"

"Why, no one said it. No one said anything; no one but me. I don't know
what you mean--"

"Mean! I don't mean nothin'. There! There! Clear out and don't bother
me no more today. I'm--I ain't feelin' well. Got a cold comin' on, I
cal'late. Clear off home and let me alone."

"But I can't go until you tell me about that mortgage."

"Yes, you can, too. I can't tell you about nothin' just now. I got to
think, ain't I? Maybe I'll renew that mortgage and maybe I won't. I'll
tell you when I make up my mind. Time enough between now and spring.
I--Ah, Ezry, how be you? Come on in. Glad to see you."

The last portion of the foregoing was addressed to a man who had entered
the office. Mr. Cobb did look as if he was really glad to see him.

Thankful rose. "I'll go," she said, drearily. "I suppose I might as
well. But I shan't sleep much until you make up that mind of yours. And
do make it up the right way, for my sake--and Uncle Abner's."

Her relative waved both hands this time.

"Shh!" he ordered, desperately. "Don't say no more now; I don't want the
whole creation to know my business and yours. Go on home. I--I'll come
over and see you by and by."

So, because she saw there was no use remaining, Mrs. Barnes went. The
drive home, through the dismal grayness of the cloudy a