336 THE GARDEN OF A 



who as usual were lying back to back halfway 

 between the doors of den and study, she made a 

 somewhat sudden entrance without knocking; the 

 jar, of course, accounting for her flushed face. 



We were both aware of a difference in her dress, 

 but did not dare exchange glances. The usual 

 starched and spotless apron was lacking; she wore 

 her Sunday cashmere with cuffs and turnover collar 

 of white crocheted lace, fastened by a large brooch 

 containing a Jubilee portrait of the Queen ; while 

 upon her sleekly brushed black hair that was almost 

 guiltless of gray, rested a lace cap of staunch Brit- 

 ish build ornamented with a spray of red roses that 

 formed a quivering bowsprit in th; front. 



She did not curtsy as usual; she did not smile. 

 Instinctively I drew a chair close to Evan's, while 

 he asked Martha to be seated. 



"An' thank you kindly, Mr. Evan," she replied, 

 moistening her lips, that seemed glued together, 

 "but I feel easier afoot and firmer-like for what I 

 'as to say." 



"Why, whatever is the matter?" said Evan, 

 kindly, rising and going toward her; for great 

 beads of sweat stood on her forehead and she 

 clasped and unclasped her hands continually. " 111 

 news from home, or are you unhappy over here ? " 



