So down I went to Maple Street, where the Brewsters live, and I rang the front-door bell, and the child's aunt, a handsome, breathless kind of creature, came and ushered me into the best parlor, and went into the next room--the sitting-room--to call the others.

I caught sight of enough women for a woman's club in the sitting-room.

Then Andrew Brewster came in, and I offered my legal services out of friendly interest in the case, and in that way I found out what I wanted to.

Cynthia, that child has not told." Cynthia raised herself and sat straight, and her face flashed like a white flame.

"Were they harsh to her ?" she demanded.