performing, carrying out?"

"Go away!" I said. "You are trespassing upon a private reverie.
Didn't you see the notice?"

He shook his head. "You have, as it were, burst rudely open the door
of the brown study in which I am communing with Nature and one or two
of my imagination's friends. Kindly apologize and withdraw, closing
the door as you go."

"All right, Omar. Where's your Thou?"

"You frightened her away."

Berry grinned. "Heard the pattering of my little feet, I suppose!"

"Yes. She wouldn't believe it was only footsteps, but let that pass.
If she were to hear the same noise--forgive me--retreating, she would
probably return."

"Really think so?"

"That is my steadfast conviction."

"Well, you go indoors, and we'll see. If I don't follow you in five
minutes, you'll know you're right."

"Friend," said I, "the indecency of your suggestion is almost
grotesque. To impose upon a timid, trusting Thou is either base or
dastardly--I forget which. I am glad none of the others were here to
hear what I feel sure to have been but a thoughtless, idle word. I
shan't say anything about it, so no one, except you and me, will ever
know; and even if I cannot ever forget, I shall come to forgive it in
years to come."

"Time will heal the wound, brother. Till then, where's the jig-saw?"

"An evil beast hath devoured it. It is, without doubt, rent in pieces."

"In which case I shall prefer a bill of indictment against you as
accessory for mutilation next autumn assize. I warn you."

"Thanks! I shall see you at dinner, shan't I? Not that I want to, but
I just shall."

Berry sighed. "From your manner, more than from what you say, anyone
would think you wanted me to go, old chap. Of course, I know you, so
it doesn't matter; but you ought to be more careful. No, I've not
taken offence, because I know none was meant; but I'm going to go just
to teach you a lesson. Yes, I am. Give my love to Thou, won't you?"

"Certainly not! She's had one shock already this afternoon."

"Oh, was to-day the first time she'd seen you?"

He strolled back to the house. When I heard his footsteps on the
gravel again, I got up and peered through the rhododendrons. I watched
him go indoors, and turned to see the girl once more on her knees by
the jig-saw. I kneeled opposite her and watched her at work. After a
moment she glanced up and met my eyes.

"You'll see the picture better from this side," she said.

"Whi