roaching trolley. She wore no hat and her hair shone like spun
gold.

"I'll wait here for her and maybe I can persuade her to sit down a
minute and talk to me." Lazily he settled himself on a mossy bank,
leaning against the friendly trunk.

The trolley car stopped. Eager hands were ready to receive the heavy
cooler and laden basket. Only one passenger--a man--alighted and then
the car sped on. Judith picked up the basket of empty dishes and milk
can that had been deposited on the platform and turned to follow the
path homeward. Jeff sprang to his feet, meaning to hasten to her and
relieve her of her burden, when his intention was changed by seeing
the man who had just alighted from the trolley walk quickly to her
side.

The beech grove was too far off for Jeff to hear what was said but he
could plainly see the couple, although not discernible to them because
of the dense shade of the beeches. It was a shock to him to recognize
the man as Tom Harbison. What was he doing back again when he had
told Mildred he had an important engagement? Was his engagement with
Judith Buck? She had not looked as though she expected anyone as she
stood swinging her cooler. But then one can never tell. Young men
don't go gallivanting after girls unless they are encouraged. On the
other hand, what encouragement had Judith given him, Jeff Bucknor?
None!

However, Tom Harbison certainly had no right to play fast and loose
with his sister, Mildred. Jeff tried to persuade himself that his
anger against Tom was solely the righteous anger of a brother.

Judith and her cavalier followed the path that led directly to the
beech grove. Jeff Bucknor again seated himself on the mossy bank and
watched their approach. He was totally unconscious of his own
invisibility. Again he felt extreme annoyance with Tom Harbison
because of his protecting manner. Anyone might have surmised the
fields were full of raging bulls, vicious rams or wild boars, judging
from Tom's solicitude for Judith's safety. Tenderly he assisted the
active girl up the hill. Just as they got within earshot of Jeff, who
was endeavoring to calm himself sufficiently to meet the couple with
some appearance of equanimity, Judith paused.

"Now, Mr. Harbison, I appreciate very much your kindness in wishing to
help me with this basket of dishes, which is not at all heavy, but I
think you had much better go directly to your friends at Buck Hill.
That path to the left will take you through