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 "Indeed I know that," she said. "Who on earth would be writing to you in a place like this, Earl?"

He put the note in his pocket, laughing evasively. "Oh, it's what Mr. Shuler said," he returned. "It's a billy-doo. I can't keep 'em away from me!"

She frowned. "I asked you who's it from."

"Now, Honey!" Then he laughed louder. "I believe you think it's from that little, light-haired bride. Well, on my word, it's not;—as a matter of fact, it's about something entirely different."

"Well, what?"

"Maybe I'll tell you some day, maybe not, Mamma." He became fondly taunting, as if humouring Mr. Shuler's joke. "Anyhow I got to go 'tend to something."

With that he moved toward the stairway to descend; but she detained him. "What do you have to"

"Oh, it's nothing, only I got to look after it myself. See you downstairs pretty soon."

"But I want to know" She checked herself and stood looking after him as he disappeared. Then she turned to her companions. "I know it's that note," she said.

"You'll have to keep your eye on him," Mr.