tions from everybody, the three bareheaded men
escorted them to the next stoop, the fourth going ahead to see that the
door was properly opened, and so the ladies passed on, up and inside
the house. This over, the group resumed its normal condition on the
sidewalk, the men regaining their seats and relighting their cigars (no
gentleman ever held one in evidence when ladies were present)--fresh
orders being given to the servants for the several interrupted mixtures
with which the coterie were wont to regale themselves.

Harry, who had stood with shoulders braced against a great tree on
the sidewalk, had heard every word of the old maid's outburst, and an
unrestrained burst of joy had surged up in his heart. His father was
coming round! Yes--the tide was turning--it would not be long before
Kate would be in his arms!

CHAPTER X

St. George held no such sanguine view, although he made no comment.
In fact the outbreak had rather depressed him. He knew something of
Talbot's stubbornness and did not hope for much in that direction, nor,
if the truth be told, did he hope much in Kate's. Time alone could heal
her wounds, and time in the case of a young girl, mistress of herself,
beautiful, independent, and rich, might contain many surprises.

It was with a certain sense of relief, therefore, that he again sought
the inside of the club. Its restful quiet would at least take his
mind from the one subject which seemed to pursue him and which Miss
Clendenning's positive and, as he thought, inconsiderate remarks had so
suddenly revived.

Before he had reached the top step his face broke out into a broad
smile. Instantly his spirits rose. Standing in the open front door,
with outstretched hand, was the man of all others he would rather have
seen--Richard Horn, the inventor.

"Ah, St. George, but I'm glad to see you!", cried Richard. "I have been
looking for you all the afternoon and only just a moment ago got sight
of you on the sidewalk. I should certainly have stepped over to
your house and looked you up if you hadn't come. I've got the most
extraordinary thing to read to you that you have ever listened to in the
whole course of your life. How well you look, and what a fine color you
have, and you too, Harry. You are in luck, my boy. I'd like to stay a
month with Temple myself."

"Make it a year, Richard," cried St. George, resting his hand
affectionately on the inventor's shoulder. "There isn't a chair in
my hou