impossible. I left it my room, I know I did, for I spoke to Norah about it
before I left. How do you account for it?"

"Oh, I don't attempt to account for it," he said, with a gay wave of his
hand. "I've been so taken up with other things this past week, I may have
done almost anything. By the way, Mother, I'm sure you'll be glad to hear
that Judge Blackwell has made me a most generous offer of business
relations, and that I have decided to accept it."

Amid the exclamations of delight over this bit of news, the hat was
forgotten for a time, and when the mother and sister finally reverted to
it and began to discuss how it could have gotten on the closet shelf, he
broke in upon their questions with a suggestion.

"I should advise, Mother, that you make a thorough search for your
rain-coat. I am sure now that you must have overlooked it. Such things
often happen. We were so excited the morning Cornelia missed the hat that
I suppose no one looked thoroughly."

"But that is impossible, Tryon," said his mother, with dignity. "I had
that closet searched most carefully."

"Nevertheless, Mother, please me by looking again. That closet is dark,
and I would suggest a light."

"Of course, if you wish it," said his mother stiffly. "You might look,
yourself."

"I'm afraid I shall not have time this morning," professed the coward.
"But suppose you look in your own closets, too, Mother. I'm sure you'll