"Are you really going to let them stay?"

"Yes, I am, darling."

"And--and may we play together all alone in the nursery?"

"I think so.... I think so, dear."

She ran back down the stairs and impetuously flung herself into
Kathleen's arms; then danced away to join the others in the blessed
regions above.

Mrs. Severn moved slowly to the telephone, and first called up and
reassured Mrs. Mallett, who, however, knew nothing about the affair, as
the nurse was still scouring the Park for her charges.

Then Mrs. Severn called up the Half Moon Trust Company and presently was
put into communication with Colonel Mallett, the president. To him she
told the entire story, and added:

"It was inevitable that the gossip of servants should enlighten the
children sooner or later. The irony of it all is that this gossip
filtered in here through your son, Duane. That is how the case stands,
Colonel Mallett; and I have used my judgment and permitted the children
this large liberty which they have long needed, believe me, long, long
needed. I hope that your trust officer, Mr. Tappan, will approve."

"Good Lord!" said Colonel Mallett over the wire. "Tappan won't stand for
it! You know that he won't, Mrs. Severn. I suppose, if he consults us,
we can call a directors' meeting and consider this new phase of the