a few of those old-fashioned people left in the world. It may be
only a backdoor hand-out for us, but I've sawed wood for breakfast before
now. I'll wait for you below; I want to see how old Cassowary's standing
the racket. The boy seemed a little cheerfuller last night."

They walked to the bungalow which, to Deering's relief, was still perched
on the ridge as he had left it. He was beset with misgivings as they
entered the gate and followed a hedge-lined path that rose gradually to
the house; it might be a joke after all; but Hood's manner was
reassuring. He swung his stick and praised the landscape, and when they
reached the veranda banged the knocker noisily. A capped and aproned maid
opened the door immediately.

Deering, struck with cowardice, found his legs quaking and stepped back
to allow Hood to declare their purpose.

"We have come for breakfast, lass," Hood announced, "and have brought our
appetites with us if that fact interests you."

"You are expected," said the maid; "breakfast will be served
immediately."

She led the way across a long living-room to the dining-room beyond,
where a table was set for three. The tangible presence of the third plate
caused Deering's heart to thump.

"The host or hostess--?" Hood inquired as the girl waited for them to be
seated.

"The lady of the house wished me to say that she would be here--in
spirit! Pressing duties called her elsewhere."

Deering's spirits sank. Pierrette, then, was only a dream of the night,
and had never had the slightest intention of meeting him at breakfast!
The maid curtsied and vanished through a swing door.

Hood, accepting the situation as he found it, expressed his satisfaction
as a bowl of strawberries was placed on the table, and as the door ceased
swinging behind the maid, laid his hand on Deering's arm. "Don't worry;
mere shyness has driven our divinity away: you can see for yourself that
even a girl who hangs moons in trees might shrink from the shock of a
daylight meeting with a gentleman she had found amusing by starlight. Let
it suffice that she provided the breakfast according to schedule--that's
highly encouraging. With strawberries at present prices she has been
generous. This little disappointment merely adds zest to the adventure."

The hand of the maid as she changed his plate at once interested Deering.
It was a slender, supple, well-kept hand, browned by the sun. Her maid's
dress was becoming; her cap merely served