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 assured her, but to her husband he said. She must undergo that operation as soon as she is strong enough. 'That's her only chance. Dr. Sinclair was fond of making brutal remarks to the relatives of his patients, the more so because he was entirely cognizant of their real opinions concerning his private life.

Gareth did not hear this bad news immediately. When the physician departed, he was sitting on the front porch, rocking back and forth in the big chair. His father was somewhere upstairs preparing for bed. What an awful day! Gareth reviewed its events; first, his father's temper, then his mother's illness, Clara Barnes's visit, the unfortunate encounter with Lennie Colman, and finally his frustrated call on the Countess.

Presently, down the street, he descried William, Lou Poore's hired-man, approaching; he was utterly astonished when William turned into the private walk leading to the Johns' porch.

Are you Master Johns? William inquired grufily.

Gareth blushed. It had been a long time since any one had addressed him as master.

I am Gareth Johns, he replied.

Same thing, growled William. Here's a letter fer yeh!

The man dispossessed himself of a large, square envelope and departed without saying another word.

Gareth examined the envelope: in high, sprawling