ter."

The next morning Miss Morton was unable to leave her room. She refused
to see a doctor, she needed only to keep off the foot. Jerry explained
the situation elaborately and Bobs laughed. Mrs. Brendon, having had no
sleep, was brief and to the point in her comment. Jane was calm as a May
morn.

The invalid was carried down to the veranda for luncheon. She was a
bewildering vision in lace and pink bows, stretched on the
_chaise-longue_, with Jerry in close attendance. Mrs. Brendon napped all
afternoon. Jane and Bobs went for a walk.

Sunday followed with apparently no improvement in the wounded member. It
was evident that Miss Morton's visit would be prolonged.

"Jane, she has no more a sprained ankle than I have!" said Bobs.

Jane smiled.

"Your patience makes me mad! She's only doing it to annoy you and annex
Jerry."

"She can't annoy me," said Jane.

Mrs. Brendon left Monday morning. Miss Morton decided she was not so
well, and kept to her bed. Jerry read aloud to her.

It was Wednesday that he came upon Jane alone.

"Jane, for God's sake, go talk to her. I'm nearly dead."

"All right. Go off for a walk, and get some exercise."

She went to the veranda, and drew a chair near her guest.

"Where's Jerry?" demanded the lady.

"He's gone for a tramp."

"With that Roberts girl?"

"Probably," lied Jane.

"I can't endure her."

"She is my best friend," Jane said shortly.

"Do you like it out here?"

"Very much."

"Must be awfully dull for Jerry."

"Oh, he manages to amuse himself."

"It always seems so dreadful for a great artist to be handicapped by
poverty, a family, and all those things."

"Most great artists have been so handicapped, I believe."

"But Jerry always seems like a prince...."

"Oh, were you speaking of Jerry?"

"He should come into a fortune."

"I believe he had the opportunity," said Jane, and regretted it the
minute it was out of her mouth.

"You don't like me, do you, Mrs. Paxton?"

"I trust you have not found me lacking in hospitality?"

"Oh, you've been hospitable enough. I suppose it is natural that you
should not care for me much."

"Why natural?"

"Jerry and I have been together so much. I'm afraid I've kept him away
from you."

"That would not have anything at all to do with my liking or disliking
you," said Jane, looking directly at her.

"Why do you, then?"

"I don't really dislike you. I'm sorry for you. It is always pitiful to
be the last o