you know in your inmost heart, as you do, that we are eating the bread
of charity, and then ask for the apple of his eye!" exclaimed Eloise
desperately.

"Go away with your bread and apples," responded Mrs. Evringham
flippantly. "I have a real worry now that that wretched little cousin of
yours is coming."

"She is not my cousin please remember," responded the girl bitterly.
"Mr. Evringham reminded us of that to-night."

"Now don't you begin calling him Mr. Evringham!" protested her mother.
"You don't want to take any notice of the man's absurdities. You will
only make matters worse."

"No, I shall go on saying grandfather for the little while we stay.
Otherwise, he would know his words were rankling. It _will_ be a little
while? Oh mother!"

Mrs. Evringham pushed the pleading hand away. "I can't tell how long it
will be!" she returned impatiently. "We are simply helpless until your
father's affairs are settled. I thought I had told you that, Eloise.
He worshipped you, child, and no matter what that old curmudgeon says,
Lawrence would wish us to remain under his protection until we see our
way clear."

"Won't you have a business talk with him, so we can know what we have to
look forward to?" The girl's voice was unsteady.

"I will when the right time comes, Eloise. Can't you trust your mother?