demand of himself an expiation beyond what he would
exact from any one else. I shall do my best to find him. Let us hope it
will be in time."

"Couldn't I go with you?--No, of course I couldn't,--but how can I
endure it until I know? What can I do to help?"

Huntington had risen, ready to take his motor-car which had been
summoned when first he learned the facts. There was no excitement in his
manner, but an alert readiness to undertake his duty with the least
possible delay. As Mrs. Thatcher asked the question a sternness seemed
to come into his face, but his voice was kindly as he replied.

"Whatever you tell the others," he said with decision, "Merry must know
the whole truth. There is another tragedy going on in that little girl's
soul which needs a mother's care. That is where you can help.--I shall
telephone you as soon as I have news."

As the crunching of the wheels on the gravel road died away Mrs.
Thatcher rose and went to her daughter's room. Never before had she so
promptly followed another's suggestion, but at that moment she felt an
aversion to her own judgment, and welcomed the opportunity to follow
rather than to lead.

* * * * *

"All this mystery is getting on my nerves," Edith remarked to Cosden as
they sauntered out onto the piazza after a later breakfast. "Mr. Hamlen,
after seeming perfectly rational with us in the _bosquet_ yesterday,
rushes into the house, packs his belongings, and disappears without
saying 'good-bye' to any one. Marian, also rational when we saw her
yesterday, becomes invisible to the naked eye, and sends word she has a
headache--the first I've ever known her to have. This morning she is
down to breakfast before any one of us is up except Mr. Huntington, who
by a strange coincidence also craves an early breakfast for the first
time on record. Marian has gone up-stairs again, and our friend Monty
has motored off to Heaven knows where. Now then, what's the answer?"

"Why not accept Mrs. Thatcher's explanation until you have a better
one?" Cosden asked, drawing his chair nearer to hers.

"Because it's too fishy, and my curiosity is aroused."

"In that case I'm sure you'll find out all about it," he said smiling.

"Why aren't you interested?"

"I'm perfectly comfortable," he explained, "and so entirely satisfied
with the present company that I can spare Hamlen, Monty, and even Mrs.
Thatcher just as well as not."

"Then you're going to lea