and coat and place his cane in the rack. Then he came to the door of the
library and stood a moment looking hard at Mary Louise. Her own eyes
regarded her grandfather earnestly, questioning him as positively as if
she had spoken.

He drew a chair before her and leaning over took both her hands in his
and held them fast.

"My dear," he said gently, "I regret to say that another change has
overtaken us. Have you ever heard of 'harlequin fate'? 'Tis a very
buffoon of mischief and irony that is often permitted to dog our earthly
footsteps and prevent us from becoming too content with our lot. For a
time you and I, little maid, good comrades though we have been, must
tread different paths. Your mother and I are going away, presently, and
we shall leave you here in Beverly, where you may continue your studies
under the supervision of Miss Stearne, as a boarder at her school. This
house, although the rental is paid for six weeks longer, we shall at
once vacate, leaving Uncle Eben and Aunt Sallie to put it in shape and
close it properly. Do you understand all this, Mary Louise?"

"I understand what you have told me, Gran'pa Jim. But why--"

"Miss Stearne will be supplied with ample funds to cover your tuition
and to purchase any supplies you may need. You will have nothing to
worry about and so may devote all your energies to your studies."

"But how long---"

"Trust me and your mother to watch over your welfare, for you are very
dear to us, believe me," he continued, disregarding her interruptions.