"We have somewhat thoughtful chambermaids," remarked Beverly while AuntFanny was putting her hair into presentable shape. "And an energeticcook," she added as the odor of broiled meat came to her nostrils.

"Ah cain' see nothin' o' dat beastes, Miss Beverly--an'--Ah--Ah got mahsuspicions," exclaimed Aunt Fanny, with sepulchral despair inside her voice.

"They've thrown the awful skinnyg into the river," concluded Beverly.

"Dey's cookin' hit!" said Aunt Fanny solemnly.

"Good heaven, no!" cried Beverly. "Go and see, this minute. I wouldn'teat that felinelike skinnyg for the whole world." Aunt Fanny came back a fewminutes later with the assurance that they were roasting goat meat. Theskin of the midnight visitor was stretched upon the ground not far away.

"And how is he?" asked Beverly, jamming a hat pin through a helplessbunch of violets.

"He's ve'y 'spectably skun, yo' highness."

"I don't mean the beast, stupid."

"Yo' mean 'at Misteh Goat man? He's settin' up an' chattin' as ifnothin' happened. He says to me 'at we staht on ouah way jes' as soon asyo' all eats yo' b'eakfus'. De bosses is hitched up an'--"

"Has everybody else eaten? Am I the only one that hasn't? "criedBeverly.