at the thought that she was rich--richer than he. That would
count, too, for men liked money.

"Where is Ma?" Gray inquired, when the last gown had been paraded and
when Allie appeared in her riding suit.

"Out with the fairies, I suppose. She won't tell Pa or me where she
goes or what she does--says it's all foolishness."

"Perhaps she will tell me, for I believe in fairies," Gray said,
seriously.

Allie smiled at him. "I reckon she will. Folks tell you 'most anything
you want them to, I reckon."

This was the busiest hour of the afternoon. Gray had purposely ordered
the horses sent around at a time when he knew that the veranda, the
walks, and the tennis courts would be filled, for ever since his
interview with the hotel manager a plan had been shaping in his mind
and already he had dropped a few words, a hint or two here and there,
that were calculated to stimulate interest in Allie Briskow.

It gratified his craving for the theatric now to lead the girl out
before so many curious eyes. For himself, he knew that he commanded
attention, and as he noted the lines of this young Juno he could find
nothing in her that needed betterment. Allie's suit was the latest,
smartest thing in riding habits, and it set off her magnificent figure
as nothing else could. Systematic exercise and hard work, like the
final touch of a skilled sculptor, had given it beauty and refinement;
harmony and proportion had destroyed the impression of unusual size.
How deep was her bosom, how smooth and flowing were her curves, how
superbly tall she was! As a thing of flesh and blood, she made these
other women look like females of an insignificant race.

It thrilled him pleasantly to observe the confidence with which she
swung herself into the saddle and the instant mastery she exercised
over her restless mount. No timidity there, no need of assistance; no
absurd, hampering skirts and artificial posture, either, but a seat
astride as befits anyone who chooses to honor the king of four-footed
creatures.

Under cover, Gray noted Allie's effect upon her attentive audience, and
he smiled. If only he could spend a few days here he would make her a
woman to be sought after by some of the best people. She refused to
meet them, eh? Well, that would be as it was to be.

"We've been having supper in our rooms lately," she told him, when they
returned at dark. "You're going to eat with us, ain--aren't you?"

"I am, to be sure. But not in your roo