orse
aside to make room. He was conscious that there were two women; he saw
only one--she who was all in white except the scarlet poppies against
the brim of her big white hat.

As he bowed the carriage stopped and Pauline said cordially: "Why, how
d'ye do?"

He drew his horse close to the carriage and they shook hands. She
introduced the other woman--"My sister-in-law, Gladys Dumont"--then
went on: "We've been lunching and spending the afternoon with father
and mother. They told us you returned this morning."

"I supposed you were in the East," said Scarborough--the first words he
had spoken.

"Oh--I'm living here now--Gladys and I. Father says you never go
anywhere, but I hope you'll make an exception for us."

"Thank you--I'll be glad to call."

"Why not dine with us--day after to-morrow night?"

"I'd like that--certainly, I'll come."

"We dine at half-past eight--at least we're supposed to."

Scarborough lifted his hat.

The carriage drove on.

"Why, he's not a bit as I expected," Gladys began at once. "He's much
younger. ISN'T he handsome! That's the way a MAN ought to look. He's
not married?"

"No," replied Pauline.

"Why did you look so queer when you first caught sight of him?"

"Did I?" Pauline replied tranquilly. "Probably it was because he very
suddenly and vividly brought Battle Field back to me--that was the
happiest time of my life. But I was too young or too foolish, or both,
to know it till long afterward. At seventeen one takes happiness for
granted."

"Did he look then as he does now?"

"No--and yes," said Pauline. "He was just from the farm and dressed
badly and was awkward at times. But--really he was the same person. I
guess it was the little change in him that startled me." And she
became absorbed in her thoughts.

"I hope you'll send him in to dinner with me," said Gladys, presently.

"What did you say?" asked Pauline, absently.

"I was talking of Mr. Scarborough. I asked if you wouldn't send him in
to dinner with me--unless you want to discuss old times with him."

"Yes--certainly--if you wish."

And Pauline gave Scarborough to Gladys and did her duty as hostess by
taking in the dullest man in the party--Newnham. While Newnham droned
and prosed, she watched Gladys lay herself out to please the
distinguished Mr. Scarborough, successful as a lawyer, famous as an
orator, deferred to because of his influence with the rank and file of
his party in the middle