"Hi! what's the matter? what is this?" demanded Mrs. Moffat. "IfMaster Henderson's been breaking any rules, you'll please not nag himabout it now, Mr. Seabrooke. You'll have him all worried into anotherheadache, and he is not fairly over this one yet, and he'll not befit for his journey home."

Seabrooke paid no more attention to her than if she had not spoken.

"Do you hear me, Henderson?" he asked. "I _will_ know."

"I won't--" began Charlie again; but Mrs. Moffat interposed oncemore.

"Mr. Seabrooke," she exclaimed, actually pushing herself between the twoboys, the tray with the coffee inside her hand, "Mr. Seabrooke, MasterHenderson is under my care so long as he is inside here, and I will nothave him worried in this way. Let him alone if you please."