weather had recovered from its fit of the
blues, and was lazy and warm and languid. In short, they did everything
which is commonly supposed to denote a growing fondness for each
other.

Croyden had been paid promptly for the Virginia Development Company
bonds, and was once more on "comfortable street," as he expressed it.
But he spoke no word of returning to Northumberland. On the contrary,
he settled down to enjoy the life of the village, social and otherwise.
He was nice to all the girls, but showed a marked preference for Miss
Carrington; which, however, did not trouble his friend, in the least.

Macloud was quite willing to run the risk with Croyden. He was
confident that the call of the old life, the memory of the girl that
was, and that was still, would be enough to hold Geoffrey from more
than firm friendship. He was not quite sure of himself, however--that
he wanted to marry. And he was entirely sure she had not decided
whether she wanted him--that was what gave him his lease of life; if
she decided _for_ him, he knew that he would decide for her--and
quickly.

Then, one day, came a letter--forwarded by the Club, where he had left
his address with instructions that it be divulged to no one. It was
dated Northumberland, and read:

"My dear Colin--

"It is useless, between us, to dissemble, and I'm not going to
try it. I want to know whether Geoffrey Croyden is coming back to
Northumberland? You are with him, and should know. You can tell
his inclination. You can ask him, if necessary. If he is not
coming and there is no one else--won't you tell me where you are?
(I don't ask you to reveal his address, you see.) I shall come
down--if only for an hour, between trains--and give him his
chance. It is radically improper, according to accepted
notions--but notions don't bother me, when they stand (as I am
sure they do, in this case), in the way of happiness.

"Sincerely,

"Elaine Cavendish."

At dinner, Macloud casually remarked:

"I ought to go out to Northumberland, this week, for a short time,
won't you go along?"

Croyden shook his head.

"I'm not going back to Northumberland," he said.

"I don't mean to stay!" Macloud interposed. "I'll promise to come back
with you in two days at the most."

"Yes, I suppose you will!" Croyden smiled. "You can easily find your
way back. For me, it's easier