"I should like to see her," said he, handing in his card.
Mrs. Joyce read the card and looked at the man, her face setting in hard lines. She had heard that name before.
"Miss Joyce is engaged," she replied curtly, still holding the door.
He could see past her into the bright, pleasant rooms. He heard the music below, the swing of dancing feet, Martha's gay laugh from the parlor.
The little lady on crutches blocked his path.
"Are you the housekeeper of this place?" he asked sharply.
"I'm more'n that!" she answered. "I'm Martha's mother."
Mr. Basset concluded he would not wait.
FOR FEAR
For fear of prowling beasts at night
They blocked the cave;
Women and children hid from sight,
Men scarce more brave.