t you
for a statue in my Japanese garden. I--"

Armitage suddenly pointed the car toward the ocean and stopped. Then he
turned in his seat.

"Look here, Sara," he said, "if you don't let up, I 'll run you into the
ocean."

Mrs. Van Valkenberg was rocking with laughter.

"Oh, Jack! Jack!" she cried. "This is too rich. What on earth are you
up to?"

Armitage, who had not seen her since they had attended school together in
Louisville, paid no attention to her question.

"I had no idea you were in Newport."

"I suppose I should expect more of one of my very oldest and best
friends," she said.

"I was in the Philippines when you married; faint rumors of the event
penetrated even there. I was too prostrated to write; besides, I didn't
receive any cards." He paused a moment. "Van Valkenberg--that's so; I
remember now. He--"

"I am a widow," said Sara soberly.

"Oh," he was silent, not knowing what to say.

She hastened to relieve his embarrassment, smiling brightly.

"I was to go to see Anne later in the week, but when I saw you, I simply
could n't wait another minute. I wanted a front seat at this little
comedy. You see," she raised her eyes knowingly, "I have n't asked you
why you are here in the Wellington livery and driving the Wellington car
because--because I rather imagine I can guess the reason."

She glanced at Armitage, who did not reply.

"Fancy my missing this romance," she went on, laughing musically. "Jack,
it's perfectly delightful. It's more than delightful, it's sublimely
rich. You, _you_ of all men! Come, won't you confide in me? Ah, go
on." Her eyes were brimming with laughter.

Armitage frowned.

"Look here, Sara, you're on the wrong tack."

"Oh, is it possible! All right, you need n't confide in me if you don't
wish to. All I ask is permission to view events--and you can't withhold
that, you know. But seriously, Jack, can I be of any assistance? I
approve, don't you know, awfully. And--she's worth every bit of it. But
how are you going to win her in the guise of a chauffeur? I always knew
you possessed a large amount of self-confidence, but allow me to inform
you, sir, there are some things your natural qualifications can't
overshadow. Come, Jack, do strip off your motley and court her as a
naval officer--you see I, at least, have kept track of _you_--and a
gentleman should; I don't like this way."

"I tell you, you are wrong. I can't say anything now. But