The drive home, through the dismal grayness of the cloudy afternoon, seemed longer and more trying than the trip over.

The dream of raising money for the spring additions and alterations was over; the High Cliff House must do its best as it was for another year at least.

As to the renewal of the mortgage, there was a faint hope.

Mr.Cobb's final remarks had inspired that hope.

He had been on the point of refusing to renew, Thankful was sure of that.