-a florid woman, with diamonds in her ears, who had the resolute air
of enjoying herself. It was an August Newport morning, when there is a
salty freshness in the air, but a temperature that discourages exertion.
A pony phaeton dashed by containing two ladies. The ponies were
cream-colored, with flowing manes and tails, and harness of black and
gold; the phaeton had yellow wheels with a black body; the diminutive
page with folded arms, on the seat behind, wore a black jacket and yellow
breeches. The lady who held the yellow silk reins was a blonde with dark
eyes. As they flashed by, the lady on the seat with her bowed, and Mr.
Hollowell returned the salute.

"Who's that?" asked Mrs. Hollowell.

"That's Mrs. Henderson."

"And the other one?"

"I don't know her. She knows how to handle the ribbons, though."

"I seen her at the Casino the other night, before you come, with that
tandem-driving count. I don't believe he's any more count than you are."

"Oh, he's all right. He's one of the Spanish legation. This is just the
place for counts. I shouldn't wonder, Maria, if you'd like to be a
countess. We can afford it--the Countess Jeremiah, eh?" and Uncle Jerry's
eyes twinkled.

"Don't be a goose, Mr. Hollowell," bringing her fat hands round in front
of her, so that she could see the sparkle of the diamond rings on them.
"She's as pretty as a picture, that girl, but I should think a good wind
would blow her away. I shouldn't want to have her drive me round."

"Jorkins has sailed," said Mr. Hollowell, looking up from his paper. "The
Planet reporter tried to interview him, but he played sick, said he was
just going over and right back for a change. I guess it will be long
enough before they get a chance at him again."

"I'm glad he's gone. I hope the papers will mind their own business for a
spell."

The house of the Eschelles was on the sea, looking over a vast sweep of
lawn to the cliff and the dimpling blue water of the first beach. It was
known as the Yellow Villa. Coming from the elegance of Lenox, Margaret
was surprised at the magnificence and luxury of this establishment, the
great drawing-rooms, the spacious chambers, the wide verandas, the
pictures, the flowers, the charming nooks and recessed windows, with
handy book-stands, and tables littered with the freshest and
most-talked-of issues from the press of Paris, Madrid, and London. Carmen
had taken a hint from Henderson's bachelor apartment, which she had
v