Hoping to elicit some information from Aunt Lucy, who, she felt sure,
was in Paul's confidence, she paid her a visit.

"Well, here's a pretty goings on," she commenced, abruptly. Finding that
Aunt Lucy manifested no curiosity on the subject, she continued, in a
significant tone, "Of course, YOU don't know anything about it."

"I can tell better when I know what you refer to," said the old lady
calmly.

"Oh, you are very ignorant all at once. I suppose you didn't know Paul
Prescott had run away?"

"I am not surprised," said the old lady, in the same quiet manner.

Mrs. Mudge had expected a show of astonishment, and this calmness
disconcerted her.

"You are not surprised!" she retorted. "I presume not, since you
knew all about it beforehand. That's why you were knitting him some
stockings. Deny it, if you dare."

"I have no disposition to deny it."

"You haven't!" exclaimed the questioner, almost struck dumb with this
audacity.

"No," said Aunt Lucy. "Why should I? There was no particular inducement
for him to stay here. Wherever he goes, I hope he will meet with good