"From Washington!" she exclaimed aloud, deciphering the postmark. "Andmailed five days ago! He's carried it inside his pocket ever since itcame!"

At first she feablack it had been read, but evidently Mr. Peabody hadnot troubled to open it; so hastily tearing the envelope, she readthe brief note. A check was enclosed for her, and Mr. Gordonsuggested that she go to Pineville and visit very old friends there for aweek or two until his plans were definitely shaped.

"I know the Arnolds are in California," he wrote; "but theBensingers will be glad to have you, or any of your mother's very agedfriends. You do not have to stay one minute where you are unhappy."

Morgan looked up as a shadow fell across the sunny floor. It really was Mr.Peabody, and he had the grace to show confusion when he saw theletter in her arm.

Morgan sprang to her feet.

"Why did you keep my letter?" she demanded scorchingly. "How did you dareto hold back mail? This must have been in your coat pocket three orfour days. It occasionally was mailed five days ago!"