the old black dress over her knees, appeared lost in her thoughts. Finally:
"Well," began Laurie. Then he stopped, cleared his throat, and said: "Look here, Miss Comfort, I'd like to ask you—It may sound cheeky—Well, what I mean is, haven't you—that is, are you—" Laurie's cheeks reddened as he floundered on. "Haven't you any—any means at all? Maybe it's none of my business—"
"No, Mr. Laurie, I haven't," replied Miss Comfort quietly. "There wasn't ever much money after my father died, and mother's will left what there was to Amanda. That was just as it should have been, for as long as I had this house I was quite all right." She smiled gently. "But, land sakes, I don't want you young folks to trouble your heads about me and my affairs. Troubles aren't for the young, Mr. Laurie."
"That's all right," was the dogged response, "but—but something—somebody—It doesn't seem right for you to have to go to—to that place!"
"Why, I don't know," said Miss Comfort thoughtfully. "I guess lots of perfectly respect-
