oon. Following the equestrians in their leafy woodland path, she
pictured them as talking of their future, and herself built many
castles in the air. "Ah," she thought sentimentally, leaning back in her
reclining chair, "how charming is youth--with plenty of money!"

She was roused from these luxurious meditations by the appearance of
Sarah, bearing a card on a salver.

"A man!" she exclaimed with annoyance. "I'm not dressed."

Lifting the card, she read it with a start.

"Mr. Nathan Wycliffe Bonnell."

"Tell him I'll be down soon," was all she said; but her thoughts ran
swiftly as she hurriedly slipped into her gown. "How in the world comes
the boy out here? Just as well that Eloise is away. It would only be
painful to her, all the old associations." But old associations cropped
up more and more enticingly for Mrs. Evringham as she made her swift
toilet, and by the time she reached the drawing-room her eagerness lent
her cordiality a very genuine tone.

"Nat, dear boy, how are you?"

The young man who rose eagerly to meet her would have been noticeable
in any crowd. She gazed up into his smooth-shaven, frank face, with its
alert eyes and strong chin, and felt a yearning affection for all which
he represented to her. "What are you doing out here?"

"Visiting you and Eloise," he answered, with the hearty relish which
always characterized his manner when circumstances were agreeable.
"Where is she?"

"Riding. I don't know when they will come home, either. It's such a
charming day, isn't it? So good of you to hunt us up, Nat. We've been
out of the world so long. I can't tell you what a rush of memories comes
over me at sight of you, you nice, big boy. I do believe you've been
growing." She gave a glance of approval at the young man's stalwart
proportions.

"Oh, don't humiliate me," he laughed, as she drew him to a divan, where
they seated themselves.

"How could you get away at this hour?"

"I'm changing my business, and get a week's vacation thereby. Great
luck, isn't it?"

"I hope so. Are you going to do better?"

"Much better. It's only a little matter of time now, Mrs.
Evringham--automobiles, steam yachts, and all the rest of it."

"Ah, the optimism of youth!" she sighed, gazing at the dancing lights in
his eyes. "It's very beautiful, and usually entirely unfounded. You
look so radiant, my dear. Perhaps you have come out here to let us
congratulate you. Have you found that desirable girl? I certainly