not any too much common sense, but there ain't many heads built to
carry both. He's sound though, sound to the core, and that's saying a
good deal these days. What's the matter? Sleepy?"

"No, just the fidgets. Say, Daddy, what do you suppose they will do
with Mr. Dillingham, if he is convicted?"

"Penitentiary offense, I hear. But Noah says they'll get him off. Old
General Dillingham has plenty of money, and friends at court. He'll
take care of his grandson."

"But if he is cleared," began Miss Lady, "that throws the guilt on--"

"Now see here," interrupted the Colonel, "you stop bothering your
little head about that trial. Go over there and play me a couple of
good old tunes, and then we'll both trot to bed."

Miss Lady's soft untrained voice began bravely enough. She described
with feeling the charms of Annie Laurie, and was half way through
Robin Adair before she faltered, started anew, stumbled again, then
came to an ignominious halt.

"Tut! tut!" said the Colonel fussily, getting himself out of his chair
in an incredibly short time for so stout a gentleman. "This won't do,
you know; this ain't right!"

"It's that silly old piece!" said Miss Lady petulantly. "It always
works on my feelings."

"But it wouldn't make you cry like this. Come, tell me."