With silent feet and loud-beating heart she went down the hall to the back upper porch, for in that day porches were built at the back and front of houses, above and below.

Once on the back-porch she turned to the right and stood by Cynthy Ann's door.

But a new fear took possession of her.

If Cynthy Ann should be frightened and scream! [Illustration: AT CYNTHY'S DOOR.] "Cynthy! Cynthy Ann!" she said, standing by the bed in the little bare room which Cynthy Ann had occupied, for five years, but into which she had made no endeavor to bring one ray of sentiment or one trace of beauty.
"Cynthy! Cynthy Ann!" Had Cynthy Ann slept anywhere but in the L of the house, her shriek--what woman could have helped shrieking a little when startled ?--her shriek must have alarmed the family.

But it did not.
"Why, child! what are you doing here?
You are out of your head, and you must go back to your room at once." And Cynthy had arisen and was already tugging at Julia's arm.
"I a'n't out of my head, Cynthy Ann, and I _won't_ go back to my room--not until I have had a talk with you." "What _is_ the matter, Jule ?" said Cynthy, sitting on the bed and preparing to begin again her old fight between duty and inclination.
Cynthy always expected temptation.