Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/108

 lations were of an exasperated and unpleasentunpleasant [sic] nature. He hoped that he would be able to get rid of this young woman before his mother's return.

"I'm sorry," he said after a while, "very sorry that James isn't here. I'm afraid you've had your long walk for nothing."

"I think," she said, "that I'd better wait till he comes. I've written him five times to come and see me and he hasn't even answered." She paused and added with deliberation, "He doesn't want to see me."

John had been trying hard to remember the old harness maker's name. He recalled it now—Jackson.

"You're Miss Jackson," he smiled. "I've just managed toremember. Tell me. Is it money you need?"

She jumped to her feet with her reticence broken and a sudden energy of revelation.

"I do need money like anything," she said. "And—surely you must have guessed—I need my name changed. It's got to be changed to Mrs. James Eaton and it's got to be changed quick. There, I've told you. And I don't care what you think of me."

John stepped suddenly forward and turned the girl to the light. His face was hard and set. For