ll as could be expected," and Seth had reason
to believe the little woman's suffering would now abate unless some
unexpected change in her condition prevented.

The neighbors sent newspapers and books for Gladys to read to her aunt
during such moments as she was able to listen, and while the girl was
thus employed Seth busied himself in the kitchen, taking great pride
in keeping every article neat and cleanly, as Aunt Hannah herself
would have done.

Then came the hour which the boy had been looking forward to with
mingled hope and fear. He had fully decided to tell all his story to
the little woman who had been so kind to him, and was resolved that
the unpleasant task should be accomplished at the earliest
opportunity.

It was nearly noon; the good neighbors were at their own homes for a
brief visit, and Gladys came from the foreroom, where she had been
reading the daily paper aloud, saying to Seth:

"Aunt Hannah thinks I ought to run out of doors a little while because
I have stayed in the house so long. There isn't the least bit of need;
but I must go, else she'll worry herself sick. She says you can sit
with her, an' I'll take Snippey with me, for he's needing fresh air
more than I am."

Just for a moment Seth hesitated; the time had come when he must, if
ever, carry his good resolutions into effect, and there was little
doubt in his mind but that Aunt Hannah would insist upon his leaving
the farm without delay once she knew all his wickedness.

Gladys did not give him very much time for reflection. With Snip at
her heels she hurried down the road, and Seth knew he must not leave
the invalid alone many moments.

Aunt Hannah's eyes were open when he entered the foreroom, and but for
that fact he might almost have believed she was dead, so pale was her
face. The bandaged hands were outside the coverings, and Seth had been
told that she could not move them unaided, except at the cost of most
severe pain.

"I knew you would be forced to come when Gladys went out, and that was
why I sent her. We two--you an' I--need to have a quiet chat together,
and there is little opportunity unless we are alone in the house."

Seth's face was flushed crimson; he believed Aunt Hannah had come to
the conclusion that he must not be allowed to remain at the farm any
longer unless he confessed why it had been necessary to leave New
York, and his one desire was to speak before she should be able to
make a demand.

"I ought'er-