e laughed; "that was cut out months ago."

He shook his head gravely. "I didn't suppose it was as bad as that."

"This makes up," she said gayly.

It was a leisurely meal; and when it had come to an end the memory
of it was not the least of its delights.

The air had cooled decidedly, and meeting the stiff breeze Juanita
Sterling shivered. She turned up her coat collar about her neck.

"Are you cold?" he questioned.

"Not much. I shall get used to it in a minute. It was pretty warm
in there."

He stopped the car and jumped out. "There are some light-weight
robes somewhere," he said.

"Don't bother!" she protested. "I rarely take cold."

But he continued his search.

"There!" he said, putting it around her shoulders, "isn't that
better?"

"Delightful! Thank you!" It was cozily warm and comfortable.

She drew a deep, happy breath. The car skimmed along as if on
wings. She could meet the wind with pleasure now. The stars
twinkled down their glad greeting. Probably she would never see
the like of this again. But to-night it was hers! It should not
be spoiled by Blanche Puddicombe! She let her enjoyment have its
way and talked and laughed freely.

"How can you keep so cheerful in the Dragon's prison?" Nelson
Randolph asked at length. "I should think all of you would have
been dead from gloom before this time."

"Polly Dudley has done a great deal toward keeping us up, and we
have several very bright ladies there. Mrs. Albright and Miss
Crilly would make a dungeon sunshiny."

"Happy companionship is everything," he assented. "That is what I
am denied. My home is about the most desolate place on earth!"

"It looks delightful from the outside."

"Oh, the house is well enough! But what is the good of a house
with nobody to speak to! I stay at the club evening after evening,
because I dread to go back to that lonely place I call home." He
spoke drearily. After a moment he went on. "I started out this
afternoon with a good deal of hope; but you have thrown most of it
to the winds!"

"I? Why, Mr. Randolph!" She gazed at him in surprise.

"Impolite," he nodded, with an apologetic smile. "But, Miss
Sterling, you know that I love you! You must have known it all
summer! And you try to be friendly--that's all! You didn't want
to go to Bryston, and I was selfish enough to keep on! I suppose
it is too much to expect, that you will care for an old fellow like
me; but--oh, Miss Sterling!