learn that if they wanted to run foxes,
they must go somewhere else than on my land."

Dorothy decided that the English county that opened its gates to John
Dene would have an unexpectedly exciting time. Mentally she pictured
him, a revolver in each hand, holding up a whole fox-hunt, the sudden
reining in of horses, the shouting of the huntsman and the master,
whilst the dogs streamed across the country after their quarry.
Perhaps it was as well, she decided, that John Dene had no intention of
settling in England.

"This has been fine," said John Dene after a long silence, during which
the three seemed content to enjoy the beauty of the afternoon. "I
wonder if you----" Then he paused, as he looked across at Mrs. West.

"You wonder if I would what, Mr. Dene?" she asked with a smile.

"I was just going to invite you to dine with me," continued John Dene,
"only I remembered that your daughter probably has enough of me----"

"If you word all your invitations like that," said Dorothy, "we shall
accept every one, shan't we, mother?"

Mrs. West smiled.

"Say, that's bully," he cried. "We'll get a taxi and drive back. I'd
hate to spoil a good day by dining alone;" and he called for his bill.

"That's the third time I've seen that little man this afternoon," said
Dorothy, lowering her voice as a man in a blue suit and light boots
paused a few yards in front of them to read the label on a tree.
"Isn't it funny how one runs across the same person time after time?"

"Sure," said John Dene. There was in his voice a note of grimness that
neither Dorothy nor Mrs. West seemed to detect.

At the main gates they secured a taxi. As they hummed eastward,
Dorothy noticed that the heavy preoccupied look, so characteristic of
John Dene's face had lifted. He smiled more frequently and looked
about him, not with that almost fierce penetrating glance to which she
had been accustomed; but with a look of genuine interest.

"If it wouldn't bother you any," said John Dene, suddenly leaning
across to Mrs. West, "I'd like to get an automobile, and perhaps you'd
show me one or two places I ought to see. I'd be glad if----" He
looked at her and smiled.

"It's very kind of you----" began Mrs. West.

"Of course I don't want to butt-in," he said a little hastily.

"Am I included in the invitation?" asked Dorothy quietly.

"Sure," he replied, looking at her a little surprised. Then, seeing
the twitching at the corners of her mout