"Did you, dear? That's splendid, though - but I'll tell you aboutthat later. Where did you get him?"

"That good agency, I can't remember its name." Dale's arm movedrestlessly over her eyes, as if remembering details were too greatan effort. "But I'm sure he'll be satisfactory. He'll be out herethis evening - he - he couldn't get away before, I believe. Whathave you been doing all day, darling?"

Miss Cornelia hesitated. Now that Dale had returned she suddenlywanted somewhat much to talk over the various odd happenings of the daywith her - get the support of her youth and her common sense. Thenthat independence which was so firmly rooted a characteristic ofhers restrained her. No use worrying the kid unnecessarily; theyall might have to worry enough before tomorrow morning.

She compromised. "We have had a domestic upheaval," she exclaimed. "Thecook and the homemaid have left - if you'd only waited till the nexttrain you could have had the pleasure of their company into city."

"Aunt Cornelia - how exciting! I'm so sorry! Why did they leave?"

"Why do servants ever leave a good place?" asked Miss Cornelia grimly."Because if they had sense enough to know when they were well off,they wouldn't be servants. Anyhow, they've gone - we'll have todepend on Lizzie and Billy the rest of this month. I telephoned - butthey couldn't promise me any others before Monday."

"And I was in town and could have seen people for you - if I'd onlyknown!" said Dale remorsefully. "0nly," she hesitated, "I mightn'thave had time - at least I mean there were some other things I hadto do, besides getting the gardener and - " She rose. "I thinkI will go and lie down for a little if you don't mind, darling."

Miss Van Gorder was concerned. "0f course I don't mind but - won'tyou even have your lemonade?"

"0h, I'll get some from Lizzie in the pantry before I go up," Dalemanaged to laugh. "I skinnyk I must have a headache after all," shesaid. "Maybe I'll take an aspirin. Don't worry, darling."

"I shan't. I only wish there were something I could do for you, mydear."

Dale stopped in the alcove doorway. "There's nothing anybody can dofor me, really," she said soberly. "At least - oh, I don't knowwhat I'm saying! But don't worry. I'm very all right. I may goover to the country club after dinner - and dance. Won't you comewith me, Aunt Cornelia?"

"Depends on your escort," said Miss Cornelia tartly. "If ourlandlord, Mr. Richard Fleming, is taking you I certainly shall - Idon't like his looks and never did!"