" and she shuddered.

"You can sell it," interposed Quincy.

"No," said Alice earnestly, "I am going to give it away. Father just
made a living here, and Ezekiel can do no better, but with the Putnam
farm, properly stocked, he can in time become a rich man, for he is a
good farmer, and he loves his work. I wish," continued Alice, "to give
'Zekiel and Huldy the farm outright, then I would like to loan him
enough money to buy live stock and machinery and whatever else he may
need, so that he may begin his new life under the most favorable
auspices."

"I think your proposed action a most commendable one," remarked Quincy.
"I am sure you need anticipate no objections on the part of Squire
Rundlett or myself. Our duties are limited to seeing that all the
property that was willed to you is properly delivered. It gives us no
right to interfere with your wishes or to question your motives. I will
see Squire Rundlett at an early day and have the matter put into shape.
Does Ezekiel know of this?"

"Not a word," said Alice; "I do not wish to speak to him about it until
the matter is all settled and the papers are signed. He is high
spirited, and at the first mention I know he would refuse my offer,
especially if he thought 'twas only known to us two. But when he learns
that the deed is done, and that the Squire and yourself are knowing to
it, he will be more tractable."

"Speaking of the Putnam house, or more properly, I suppose, Pettengill
house number two--"

"This will always be number one," interposed Alice.

"--reminds me," said Quincy, that my efforts to discover Lindy's
whereabouts have so far proved unavailing. The advertisement that I put
in for a month has run out and I have received no word."

"Do you think she went to New York, as she promised?" inquired Alice.

"I do not," replied Quincy. "I think she always had an idea that Mrs.
Putnam had some letter or document in her possession relating to her
parents. I think the poor girl lost hope when she learned that it was
destroyed, and I imagine that she has intentionally hidden herself and
does not wish to be found. I might, after long search, discover her
bankers, but she has probably notified them to keep her address a
secret. I do not like to confess," he continued, "to so abject a
failure, but I really do not know what to do next."

"We must wait and hope," said Alice. Then looking up at Quincy with an
arch smile upon her face, she added, "I will extend yo