s, long before Garibaldi's triumphant thousand marched
into Rome."

"That's true, only one never wants a failure to be a member of one's
own family. I don't want a dreamer for a brother-in-law, Meg--not for
your husband."

"The Lamptons always want to come in with the victorious legions," Meg
said. They were nearing the hut. "It seems as if the real victors in
life were what we call the failures, the pioneers of truth."

"I'm awfully glad, anyway, Meg. Mike's a lucky chap and you're a lucky
girl. You know, I think the world of Mike!"

"We aren't engaged, Freddy."

"Oh, aren't you?" He looked at her with laughing eyes. "What do you
call it, then? An understanding? Or are you just 'walking out' like
'Arry and 'Arriet?"

Meg laughed happily. "We love each other--we've not got beyond that
yet. I suppose we're just 'walking out.'"

"You've told each other about the loving?" Freddy's kindness was
bringing something like tears to Margaret's eyes.

"Yes. Michael didn't mean to--it . . ." she paused.

"Oh, I know! The usual thing. Things seem to be going on all right."
He laughed. "It mustn't run too smoothly."

"Don't laugh, Freddy. Michael thought you would think it cheek--he
won't allow me to consider myself bound to him." She laughed
deliriously. "The dear boy wants me to feel free to change my mind,
because he's 'a drifter,' because he thinks he isn't a good enough
match for your sister. Your sister, Freddy, comes right above mere
Meg."

"I see," Freddy said. "Then I'm not to speak about it yet, am I? Just
tell me what you want and I'll do it."

"Not yet, Freddy--not while that odious woman is here, at any rate."

"All right, I'll wait. Only I'd rather like to see her face when I
congratulated Mike."

"Ought you to congratulate Mike? I'm your sister--isn't it the other
way on? Shouldn't you congratulate me?"

They were close to the door of the hut; Meg lingered.

"He's the luckiest man I know. I wish he had a sister just like you.
Of course he's to be congratulated! And now I must go and make myself
beautiful." His eyes smiled their brightest. "I bet you I could cut
Mike out with the fair Millicent if I set my mind to it."

In the sunlight Freddy looked irresistible, with his violet eyes,
shaded by his thick lashes, his crisp hair, as sunny and fair as a
boy's. Meg knew that he was a much better-looking man than
Mike--indeed, he would have been too good-looking if his figu