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 when the two men had reached her and were introduced to her by Cousin Eliza, he bowed and left her alone with the other men, for their hostess had been called away at that moment.

"And now, Mehitable," said Squire Briggs, smiling unpleasantly, "we wish very much to see you alone." He paused and then added softly, "On business."

But Mehitable parried this. "I do not know of any business you could have with me. Squire Briggs," she answered coolly.

"No?" asked Squire Briggs, while Hawtree muttered impatiently. "I suppose you are not interested in that rascal brother o' yours, either?"

Mehitable's cheeks flamed, but her voice, when she answered, was steady.

"John a rascal. Squire Briggs?" she returned proudly. "Had you not better look closer to home, sir?"

A pale red now burned in the Squire's sallow cheeks. "Then I take it you are not interested in you brother's welfare?" he snarled.

The girl hesitated. This, she felt, was a plot. What its object was she could not tell, save that the two men seemed anxious to see her alone. But on the other hand, John might be in real danger and these two men sent to parley with her. Suddenly, impetuously, she made up her mind.

"There is under the stair landing a little room. We shall be alone there, an you wish."

It so happened, as they left the room, that no one noticed their departure. The hall, too, was momentarily deserted.