"I believe she has been crying," she said. "And if she has, it's
something new, for I never saw a tear on her face before in my
life."

"Truly?" he questioned in amazement.

"Why, of course! The Bates family are not weepers."

"So I have heard," said the man, rather dryly.

Nancy Ellen resented his tone.

"Would you like us better if we were?"

"I couldn't like you better than I do, but because of what I have
heard and seen, it naturally makes me wonder what could have
happened that has made her cry."

"We are rather outspoken, and not at all secretive," said Nancy
Ellen, carelessly, "you will soon know."

Kate followed the walk around the house and entered at the side
door, finding her father and mother in the dining room reading the
weekly papers. Her mother glanced up as she entered.

"What did you bring Agatha's telescope back with you for?" she
instantly demanded.

For a second Kate hesitated. It had to come, she might as well
get it over. Possibly it would be easier with them alone than if