disappeared. In their places were Oriental rugs. Striped red awnings
shaded the windows and piazzas. The porch had been converted into the
cosiest of lounging places with willow furniture, scarlet cushions, rugs,
birds, plants, etc., as well as small tables filled with the latest
magazines and Aunt Susan's sewing baskets. They had a hammock at either
end, and altogether it was lovely. Mrs. Hollister simply raved over it
and the artistic interior with its fine old furniture.

"Ethel is responsible for this change," said Tom, removing his hat and
wiping his handsome brow. "Last summer when she came here I dressed like
a countryman, but in the most tactful manner she suggested high collars,
different ties, and fairly talked my army hat right off my head, saying
that I looked like a G.A.R. Little by little she's converted Aunt Susan
into a fashionable woman. But how careless of me. Let me get you a cup of
tea," he said to Mrs. Hollister, placing a table before her and a stool
under her feet.

He soon returned, bringing the tray and a plate of delicious jumbles.

"You see," he continued, "Aunt Susan will not keep two girls, so I have
to be waitress now and then. She is attached to Jane, who though is a
good cook, but her trouble is she's set in her way and refuses to stay
if we allow another girl to enter the house. We are handicapped, you
see, for we can't spare Jane, nor could we replace her."

Gradually he took Mrs. Hollister into his confidence and told her of
his early life and of Aunt Susan's misfortunes. "But bless you," he
continued, "the Lord is good to us. She'll never need a penny for my
income is increasing and my practice is more than I can attend to. I
should have a partner but she won't hear of my taking one. She is too