"Ye-e-es, of course," says Mrs. Bladen. Then, turnin' on Uncle Jeff,
"Only I think you are a mean, hard-hearted old man, even if you are my
uncle! Oh, you don't know how often I've wanted to tell you so
too,--always prying into this, asking questions about that, finding
fault, forever cross and snappish and suspicious. A waspish, crabbed
old wretch, that's what you are! I just hate you! So there!"

Uncle Jeff winces a little at these last jabs; but he only turns to
Brooks and asks quiet, "And I suppose those are your sentiments too?"

"Edith is a little overwrought," says Brooks. "It's true enough that
you're not quite an agreeable person to live with. Still, I hardly
feel that I have treated you just right in this matter. I shouldn't
have deceived you about the studio. When I found that I couldn't bear
to give up my work and live like a loafer on your money, I should have
told you so outright. I haven't liked it, Sir, all this dodging and
twisting of the truth. I'm glad it's over. Would you prefer to have
us go tonight or in the morning?"

"Come now, that's not the point," says Uncle Jeff. "You hate me, too,
don't you?"

"No," says Brooks, "and I'm sure Edith doesn't either."

"Yes I do, Brooks," breaks in Edith.

Brooks shrugs his shoulders sort of hopeless.

"In that case," says he, "we shall leave at once--now. I will send