Mrs. Smith plainly showed that she shared in the curiosity of her
charges in regard to the meaning of the visit to Drusilla, but she
rose from her place and said:

"Oh, of course I will leave if you must see her alone."

"Thank you," said the taller of the men dryly. "Our business is with
Miss Doane."

He accompanied Mrs. Smith politely to the door and closed it, then,
returning, drew a chair near to Drusilla.

"We are the bearer of news to you, Miss Doane."

Drusilla clasped her hands a little tighter.

"Has anything happened?" she said. "But nothing could happen that
would matter to me, unless--" a panic stricken look came into her old
eyes "unless--the Committee hain't decided that I can't live here,
has it? They ain't goin' to send me to the county house, be they? I
work real well, Mr. Thornton; I work as hard as I can. I'm sure I pay
fer my keep."

The tall man cleared his throat and said stiffly: "No, Miss Doane,
we are the bearer of _good_ news."

The short fat man bent over and impulsively patted the hands that
were so tightly clenched in her lap.

"No, Miss Doane, you don't need to worry about the county house.