But do not fear that I came clandestinely--or, as our servants would say, on the sly," added Rachel, with a smile.

"Mrs.Verner has told me to run down to see you whenever I like, after she has gone in to dinner.

Good-night, dear father." The old man pressed her to his heart: "Don't thee get fretting again my blessing.

I don't care to see thee with red eyes." For answer, Rachel burst into tears then--a sudden, violent burst.

She dashed them away again with a defiant, reckless sort of air, broke, into a laugh, and laid the blame on her headache.