They didn't want me to know yet but I couldn't help finding out. And
they won't mind when they know how happy it's made me--oh, I ain't
afraid but he'll pass this time! I know he will--I know it! You tell her
she's saved my boy." And without further delay the slender figure turned
and walked jubilantly down the path. It was as if she marched to the
melody of the joy in her heart.

They looked at each other silently, then at the Wicked Compact behind
them. There did not seem any explanation needed.

"Another one dropped," murmured T.O. sighingly. But Laura Ann said
nothing.




CHAPTER VI.


Laura Ann stole quietly away and went upstairs to the little attic room.
Close by the window was a rough little easel arrangement with a picture
on it. Laura Ann stood regarding it thoughtfully. "I wonder"--she smiled
at the whimsy of the thought--"I wonder if it looks like Amelia," she
murmured.

It was not a wonderful picture. No committee would have hung it on a
"line." There were rather glaring errors in it of draughtsmanship and
coloring. But the face of the girl in it was appealingly sweet--brown
hair, blue eyes, little round chin. Laura Ann had not dared to put in
the dimples.