own
to me at the time; some were among the things that were revealed
thereafter. I began to feel that the whole vast universe was
chiefly composed of paint. So I fled to the greater ill of an
Overton without Grace Harlowe.

"As I have suffered deeply and shall continue to suffer until I can
look my modest wardrobe in the face and say, 'presentable at last,'
I am certain that I deserve a special boon of consolation. In plain
English, to which I still cling, despite the fact that I dream of
some day establishing a marvelous vocabulary of my own, won't you
and Elfreda come to Overton to see me, if only for a day? I have
thought things over carefully before asking you. It is not entirely
selfishness that prompts the request. I think it would cheer you to
come again for a visit to Harlowe House. Though I have replaced you
as manager, I can never replace you in the hearts of the girls
here. I understand why you may not wish to come. As always, my
heart goes out to you. If you write 'no' as an answer, I shall
accept it in the best possible spirit. But if you feel that you can
drop in on me, even for a day, then I shall surely shriek with joy,
right here at Harlowe House, and abide by the consequences. I have
written Elfreda, too. If both letters reach you at the same time,
and I shall mail them together, then you can shake hands and
congratulate yourselves that you have both been invited.

"Yours hopefully,

"EMMA."

"I'd love to go." Grace hesitated. "Do you think it would be disloyal in
me to leave Oakdale now, even for a day? I thought it over seriously
before I went to Miriam's wedding. That was really a duty, you know. But
since Jean has taken up Tom's case, it seems as though I am likely to
hear something important within a few days."

"You mustn't be too sure," counseled Elfreda wisely. "You might be
disappointed. It may take even Jean a long time to find out anything.
I'm not saying that to be cruel."

"You don't need to tell me that. I know I mustn't expect too much, even
of Jean. Yet I can't help thinking that if _he_ doesn't find Tom, no one
else ever will."

CHAPTER XXI

THE CALL OF THE ELF'S HORN

Jean, however, had no intention of failing those who so strongly relied
upon him. He approached his difficult task with a confidence in his own
powers which long years of the free, i