secure a refuge into which he could not be pursued. He had made
himself a little more presentable for supper, instinctively aware that
nothing would escape the lynx-eyed widow, and was taking some
measurements from the floor to a stovepipe hole leading into the
chimney flue, when he became aware that someone was in the doorway.
Turning, he saw Jane with her small catlike eyes fixed intently upon
him. Instantly he had the feeling that he was being watched and would
be watched.

"Supper's ready," said the girl, disappearing.

Mrs. Mumpson smiled upon him--if certain contortions of her thin, sharp
face could be termed a smile--from that side of the table at which his
wife had sat so many years, and he saw that the low rocking chair,
which he had preserved jealously from his former "help," had been
brought from the parlor and established in the old familiar place.
Mrs. Mumpson folded her hands and assumed a look of deep solemnity;
Jane, as instructed, also lowered her head, and they waited for him to
say "grace." He was in far too bitter a mood for any such pious farce,
and stolidly began to help them to the ham and eggs, which viands had
been as nearly spoiled as was possible in their preparation. The widow
raised her head with a profound sigh which set Holcroft's teeth on
edge, but he proceeded silently with his supper. The biscuits were
heavy enough to burden the lightest conscience; and the coffee, simply
grounds swimming around in lukewarm water. He took a sip, then put
down his cup and said, quietly, "Guess I'll take a glass of milk
tonight. Mrs. Mumpson, if you don't know how to make coffee, I can
soon show you."

"Why! Isn't it right? How strange! Perhaps it would be well for you
to show me just exactly how you like it, for it will afford me much
pleasure to make it to your taste. Men's tastes differ so! I've heard
that no two men's tastes were alike; and, after all, everything is a
matter of taste. Now Cousin Abiram doesn't believe in coffee at all.
He thinks it is unwholesome. Have YOU ever thought that it might be
unwholesome?"

"I'm used to it, and would like it good when I have it at all."

"Why, of course, of course! You must have it exactly to your taste.
Jane, my dear, we must put our minds on coffee and learn precisely how
Mr. Holcroft likes it, and when the hired girl comes we must carefully
superintend her when she makes it. By the way, I suppose you will
employ my assistant tomorrow,