The servant problem was pressing upon her perplexedly. That had been a good opening to get rid of Maggie, but it wouldn’t do to suggest it until those relatives were out of the house. How was she going to do it, anyway? For it was certain they couldn’t run away and leave a lot of servants in the house. The way was clear so far as the car was concerned, now that the chauffeur was gone, but how was she going to get rid of the other servants? And do it in time to run away before morning? Stanton would be the worst. He had been so devoted to Daddy and Mother! He wouldn’t understand. How could she ever get rid of Stanton so that he would not suspect? And then there was the nurse! How could she possibly make her understand that she didn’t want her anymore? It wasn’t done, to dismiss servants without any notice, was it? But this nurse was a comparatively new institution. The old nurse who had taken care of Robin since he was born had got married and moved to the South, and this one was only on trial. Jennifer had a strange lingering feeling that she couldn’t quite trust her.

But where was she? Certainly not on her job.

Jennifer went down the servants’ hall and tapped at the door of the nurse’s room, but there was no answer, and after another tap or two she tried the door but found it locked! That was strange!

With an uneasy feeling she went on to her own room, intending to hover around until that tray was ready for her to carry. If they went away tonight there was a great deal to be done before they left, and not a moment must be wasted.

With her mind busy with possibilities she opened her bureau drawers and gathered up the few valuable trinkets that she felt she ought to take with her, stowed them in a convenient box, then went through the other drawers and laid in quick piles the garments that she would need. Nothing fancy, just the plainest things she owned. Her own personal needs were simple. The difficulty would be to remember everything the children ought to have. If only she could trust the nurse! But she didn’t! And the nurse wasn’t here, anyway. Where in the world was she?

Then she heard footsteps, a clink of dishes on a tray, and she flew toward the back hall. Ah! It was Stanton bringing the tray. How faithful and good Stanton was! How was she going to manage that they would get away without his knowledge? Almost she could trust him not to tell the relatives, but it would put him in a very awkward position. No, and he would think he ought to tell, perhaps, to protect her and the children.

But how was she ever going to approach the subject with him? She would have to leave him until the last. If she could get rid of the rest, maybe there would be a way to deal with him. But he was such a perfect servant, so utterly trustworthy, that she was almost a little afraid of him, as if he would use the spirits of her dead mother and father as a weapon to hold over her head.

“Oh, Stanton, I’m sorry to have made you extra trouble.”

“It’s all right, Miss Jennifer. I’m glad to help you. And I think you are quite wise to keep the children quiet. I think the presence of¾of”—he cleared his throat and searched for the right word¾ “of outsiders,” he went on hastily, “seems to excite them.”

“Yes, that’s right,” said Jennifer with relief. “I thought you would understand.”

Quietly he arranged the dishes on the little table, deftly he placed the cocoa pot where the little girls could pour it for themselves, tea party-fashion, and withdrew.

When he came back with the dessert tray, Jennifer had the emptied dishes on the tray at the head of the stairs and stood there smiling to thank him as he went away again.

Then she saw he was hesitating, and looking keenly at him she saw a shadow of trouble in his eyes.

“What is the matter, Stanton; has something happened?” she asked quickly, her heart contracting suddenly with unnamed apprehension.

“Well, nothing that need trouble you, Miss Jennifer,” he said apologetically. “It’s just that I had a rather disturbing letter from my sister. It just came special delivery. She tells me that my old mother is very ill indeed, and she’s been asking for me. My sister wants me to come at once. But, of course, she doesn’t know what has been happening in this house, and of course I would not be asking to be released just now when you might be wanting me special, you know. Only if there would be a time, a day or two, when you would not be needing me so much, you know, I’d be glad to get off and see my dear old mother before she goes on¾”

He hesitated, and mist gathered in his eyes. Suddenly Jennifer felt very sorry indeed for Stanton.

“Why, of course, Stanton.