even when she was in the house, and that she had
received only cool indifference in place of loyal love,
had greatly grieved her, but it had not lessened the
idolatry with which she worshipped her bairn.
Hours at a time she had spent puzzling her brain
trying to account for the change which had come over
the girl during two short years of school. She had
until now laid this change to her youth, her love
of admiration, and had forgiven it. Now she understood
it; it was that boy Bart. He had a way with
him. He had even ingratiated himself into Miss
Jane's confidence. And now this young girl had
fallen a victim to his wiles. That Lucy should lie
to her, of all persons, and in so calm and self-
possessed a manner; and about Bart, of all men--
sent a shudder through her heart, that paled her
cheek and tightened her lips. Once before she had
consulted Jane and had been rebuffed. Now she
would depend upon herself.

Retracing her steps and turning sharply to the
right, she ordered Meg home in a firm voice, watched
the dog slink off and then walked straight down a
side road to Captain Nat Holt's house. That the
captain occupied a different station in life from herself
did not deter her. She felt at the moment that
the honor of the Cobden name lay in her keeping.
The family had stood by her in her trouble; now
she would stand by them.