going. Come with me, Fletcher."

"It's too late to call now," remonstrated Joe, when David had finally
made his escape from headquarters.

David muttered that time was made for slaves, and increased his pace.
When they reached the hotel Joe refused to go to the Winthrop's
apartment.

David found Carey alone in the sitting room.

"David," she asked, after one glance into his eyes, "what has changed
you? Good news from Mr. Knowles?"

"No, Carey," he replied, his eyes growing luminous. "It was something
your mother said to me this morning."

"Oh, I am glad. What was it she said?"

"She told me," he evaded, "that you were going to visit the
Randalls."

"And that is what makes you look so--cheered?" she persisted.

"No, Carey. May I tell you at two o'clock in the afternoon, the day
after election?"

She laughed delightedly.

"That sounds like our childhood days. You used to put notes in the old
apple tree--do you remember?--asking Janey and me to meet you two
hours before sundown at the end of the picket fence."

Further confidential conversation was prevented by the entrance of the
others. Joe had been captured, and Mrs. Winthrop had ordered a supper
served in the rooms.

"Carey," asked her mother softly, when they were alone that night,
"did David tell you what a cozy little luncheon we had?"

"He told me, mother, that you said something to him that made him very
happy, but he would not tell me what it was."

Something in her mother's gaze made Carey lift her violets as a shield
to her face.

"She knows!" thought Mrs. Winthrop. "But does she care?"

CHAPTER VIII

At two o'clock on the day after David Dunne had been elected governor
by an overwhelming majority, he reined up at the open gate at the end
of the maple drive. His heart beat faster at the sight of the regal
little figure awaiting him. Her coat, furs, and hat were all of
white.

He helped her into the carriage and seated himself beside her.

"Have you been waiting long, and are you dressed quite warmly?" he
asked anxiously.

"Yes, indeed; I thought you might keep me waiting at the gate, so I
put on my furs."

The drive went on through the grounds to a sloping pasture, where it
became a rough roadway. The day was perfect. The sharp edges of
November were tempered by a bright sun, and the crisp air was
possessed of a profound quiet. When the pastoral stretches ended in
the woods, David stopped suddenly.

"It must have been ju