M

An Old, Unhappy, Far-off Thing

“ It is a dreadful tale,” he said moodily, getting up and walking restlessly to and fro in the dim spruce-shadowed old kitchen where they were. “ And if it is true that her mother’s wilful silence caused Kilmeny’s dumbness, I fear, as you say, that we cannot help her. But you may be mistaken. It may have been noth- ing more than a strange coincidence. Pos- sibly something may be done for her. At all events, we must try. I have a friend in Queenslea who is a physician. His name is David Baker, and he is a very skilful specialist in regard to the throat and voice. I shall have him come here and see Kilmeny.” _

“ Have your way,” assented Janet in the hopeless tone which she might have used in giving him permission to attempt any impossible thing.

“ It will be necessary to tell Dr. Baker why Kilmeny cannot speak — or why you think she cannot.”

Janet’s face twitched.

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