and for once I'm going to obey him. My heart, you know, my poor heart--"

She waved her hand and raised her eyes. Miss Warren expostulated, but to
no purpose. Mrs. Corcoran Dunn would NOT go, but the others must. So, at
last, they did. When Caroline and her brother had gone for their wraps,
Mrs. Dunn laid a hand on her son's arm.

"Now mind," she whispered, "see if you can find out anything during the
ride. Something more explicit about the size of their estate and who the
guardian is to be. There are all sorts of stories, you know, and we MUST
learn the truth very soon. Don't appear curious, but merely friendly.
You understand?"

"Sure, Mater," was the careless answer. "I'll pump."

The two departed, leaving their lady visitor ensconced in the
comfortable chair. She remained in it for perhaps five minutes. Then she
rose and sauntered about the room. She drifted into the drawing-room,
returning a moment later and sauntering casually toward the open desk by
the fireplace. There were papers and letters scattered about this desk,
and these she turned over, glancing toward the door to be sure no one
was coming. The letters were, for the most part, messages of sympathy
from friends of the Warren family. Hearing an approaching step, she
hastily returned to the chair.

Edwards, the butler, entered the library and replenished the fire. Mrs.
Dunn languidly accosted him.

"Ah--er--Edwards," she said, "you are--er--growing familiar with your
new home?"