t you even a little. I have forgotten what they were, and wish you
would. The visit which you and Bert are making me is a most delightful
break in the monotony of my life, and I shall be very glad to see you
again." And then rising she added, "If I hurt you, please say you
forgive me, for I must go out and see to getting tea."

It was an adroit escape from a predicament, and she felt relieved. It
must also be stated that her visitor had taken a long step upward in her
estimation.

The last evening was passed much like the first, except that now the
elusive Alice seemed to be transformed into a far more gracious hostess,
and all her smiles and interest seemed to be lavished upon Frank
instead of her brother. It was as if this occult little lady had come to
feel a new and surprising curiosity in all that concerned the life and
amusements of her visitor. With true feminine skill she plied him with
all manner of questions, and affected the deepest interest in all he had
to say. What were his sisters' amusements? Did they entertain much, play
tennis, golf, or ride? Where did they usually go summers, and did he
generally go with them? His own comings and goings, and where he had
been and what he saw there, were also made a part of the grist he was
encouraged to grind. She even professed a keen interest in his yacht,
and listened patiently to a most elaborate description of that craft,
although as a row-boat was the largest vessel she had ever set foot on,
it is likely she did not gain a very clear idea of the "Gypsy."

"Your yacht has a very suggestive name," she said; "it makes one think
of green woods and camp-fires. I should dearly love to take a sail in
her. I have read so much about yachts and yachting that the idea of
sailing along the shores in one's own floating house, as it were, has a
fascination for me."

This expression of taste was so much in line with Frank's, and the idea
of having this charming girl for a yachting companion so tempting, that
his face glowed.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," he responded, "than to have
you for a guest on my boat, Miss Page. I think it could be managed if I
could only coax my mother and sisters to go, and you and your brother
would join us. We would visit the Maine coast resorts and have no end of
a good time."

"It's a delightful outing you suggest," she answered, "and I thank you
very much; but I wouldn't think of coming if your family had to be
coaxed to go,