ng these days to
make a success than a man. It has meant so much to me to give my time
and energy to the art I love. I want you to have the same luck, Gerry."

Then Mrs. Burton reached out her hand, but her companion did not seem to
observe it.

"I am sorry, I know I am a disappointment," she answered. "But the
trouble with me is that I am stupid and no work of any character
interests me. I might as well tell you the truth."

For a moment Mrs. Burton did not reply. Gerry's answer had made her
impatient, and for this reason she felt it best not to argue.

"Very well, perhaps the interest will come later. You are young enough
to wait, Gerry, and please do not think I am not more than anxious to
help you. You know it is only on your account I worry. I so wish the
circumstances of your life were happier, my dear. I hate your being
lonely."

Then as Gerry's eyes were filling with tears and when she was having a
struggle not to break down entirely and make her confession, she and
Mrs. Burton both heard at the same instant a gay voice singing as it
approached nearer to them:

"It was a lover and his lass,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino."

"Here comes _Touchstone_, Gerry! What a charming voice Felipe has! I
know you must feel relieved to be released from such a prosy talk as we
were having."

If Felipe had not been a particularly successful actor at the production
of their play, Gerry was amazed by his present acting.

He had suggested that they were either to motor or to drive away from
Sunrise camp. Now he appeared on foot in the most casual fashion with
his guitar swung over his shoulder.

After bowing politely to Gerry, he immediately dropped down upon the
ground beside Mrs. Burton and finished his song:

"And therefore take the present time,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino;
For love is crowned with the prime
In springtime...."

Nor did Felipe rise, or ask that Gerry be allowed to walk with him after
his song was concluded. He merely continued talking in a casual fashion
with Mrs. Burton.

In half an hour, having finished their errands unexpectedly early, Mrs.
Webster and Dan returned to camp. Dan went away immediately to put up
the car and Mrs. Burton arose to go indoors with her sister.

Not until then did Felipe ask that Gerry be allowed to walk with him. He
made the request with apparent indifference.

Mrs. Burton hesitated.

"Gerry thought she was too tire