l
the time?"

"Out on the rear platform, taking in the scenery," Brockway replied,
calmly, sitting down beside Gertrude. "Didn't you see me when I got on?"

Mrs. Burton had seen the little incident on the station platform out of
the tail of her eye as the train was getting under way, so she was
barely within truthful limits when she said "No." But she looked very
hard at Brockway and succeeded in making him understand that Gertrude
was not to know anything about the plot or its marring. The young man
telegraphed acquiescence, though his leaning was rather toward straight
forwardness.

"Did you rest well after your spin on the engine last night?" he asked
of Gertrude.

"Quite well, thank you. Have you ever ridden on an engine, Mrs. Burton?"

"Many times," replied the marplot; and then she made small-talk
desperately, while she tried to think of some way of warning her husband
not to be surprised at the sudden change in Brockway's itinerary for the
day. Nothing better suggesting, she struck hands with temerity when
Burton appeared at the forward door with the conductor, and ordered
Brockway to take Gertrude back to the observation-car.

"It's a shame that Miss Vennor should be missing the scenery," she said.
"Go along with her and make yourself useful. We will take care of your
ancients."

The small plotter breathed freer when they were gone. She knew she had a
little duel to fight with her conservative husband, and she preferred to
fight it without seconds. Her premonition became a reality as soon as he
reached her.

"How is this?" he began; "did you know Fred had changed his plans?"

She shook her head. "He didn't take me into his confidence."

"Well, what did he say for himself?"

"About changing his mind? Nothing."

"He didn't? that's pretty cool! What does he mean by running us off up
here on a wild-goose chase?"

"How should I know, when he didn't tell me?"

"Well, I'll just go and find out," Burton declared, with growing
displeasure.

But his wife detained him. "Sit down and think about it for a few
minutes, first," she said, coolly. "You are angry now, and you mustn't
forget that he's with Miss Vennor."

"By Jove! that is the very thing I'm not forgetting. I believe you were
more than half-right in your guess, yesterday; but we mustn't let them
make fools of themselves--anyway, not while we are responsible."

"I don't quite _savez_ the responsibility," retorted the little lady,
flippantly. "