we can fight together. The two who must do
things together are you and Bettina. Any friendship of ours would shut
her out. That's the plain truth, and you and I are old enough to know
it, Anthony.

"There's much more that I could say to you. Much more. But you must
read between the lines. All my days I shall have in my heart the
memory of my dear--big boy. Some day when I am old and you are old, we
can be friends. I'll look forward to that day, and it shall be my
beacon light in the darkness.

"It's good-bye, dear, for a long time--good-bye.

"DIANA."

How still it was in the hemlock forest! A squirrel which had ventured
down from the branches flattened himself against the trunk of a tree and
peered curiously at the figure which lay face downward on the fragrant
carpet. One hand, outflung, caught at a little bush and held on as if in
agony. The other hand grasped the sheets of gray paper, which,
close-written, in feminine script, had brought a message of infinite
pain and loss.

CHAPTER XIV

THE LITTLE SILVER RING

The yacht yard in which Bobbie's boat was hauled up for repairs lay at
the foot of the rocks to the north of Diana's house. From the north
porch, therefore, one could look down on the activities which had to do
with the bringing in, and putting into shape the fine craft which
through the summer were anchored in the harbor. A marine railway floated
the boats in and out at high tide, and at such times creaked
complainingly.

It was on the north porch that Sophie and Bettina sat on the morning
after Diana's departure--Sophie knitting a motor scarf for Anthony,
Bettina hemstitching white frills.

Below in the yacht yard the master gave orders, and the machinery of the
marine railway began its clanking chorus. Bettina glanced over the rail.
"Bobbie's boat is going out," she said, "and he and Justin are on
board."

Justin saw her and called, "May I come up?"

Bettina shook her head at him. "If he thinks I'm going to shriek an
answer to the housetops, he's mistaken."

Again she shook her head at him, and Justin immediately offered excuses
to Bobbie.

"You won't mind," he said, "if I go up there?"

Bobbie jeered. "Talk about me! You're here to-day and there to-morrow.
Yesterday it was Sara, and now it's Betty Dolce."

"It was never Sara."

"That's what I said when I fell in love with Doris, but you wouldn't
believe me. And I can't quite see the difference."

"I'v