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 Bennet watching her approach. When she had climbed to the cave Bennet extended a hand to help her in. She was all smiles and gaiety while Bennet's face was clouded. Before she had time to recover her breath he said:

"I've been thinking since you've been gone and have decided that I must leave you."

"Why leave me, when I've such good news for you?"

"Don't jest, Lida, Heart. This is not a matter for jesting," Bennet said seriously.

"All right, Old Grouch. I'll keep my good news, then," she pouted. "Just when I'm dying to tell you, too."

"Well," he capitulated. "What's this great and good news?"

"Guess," she teased, coming to where he was sitting and placing a hand confidingly on his shoulder.

"I give up.—Couldn't guess in a thousand years," he admitted.

Lida waited for a few moments hoping he would make an attempt. When he continued to refuse she started: "Mrs. Gorton's been to the house this afternoon."

Bennet perked up at the information. "I thought you were enemies," he observed.

"She's worried about you." She stroked his head as she spoke. "She came to inquire of Elvin, what had become of you and to threaten to make it hot for him and the rest of them if they have done away with you. You've won her favor, all right. I've a mind to be jealous—but I won't, just for that," she teased.

"She's a nice old lady," Bennet commented.