Hamptons.'" 

[Pg 35]

 Did she give a little start, or was it his fancy? At any rate she followed him with unmistakable interest, and when he had finished she leaned back in her chair with a ripple of low laughter. 

 "I do not believe we will begin that," she said. "It's like a game and we could go on indefinitely mentioning names on the strength of finding a mutual acquaintance. No, I am something of a fatalist. I think I will let events take their course. If we are to meet again, why, we are. If not, why, all our poor efforts can not compass it. Ah, it is nine o'clock, on the very stroke! Good night." She smiled graciously, charmingly. "And thank you again for so kindly restoring my property." 

 It was a very distinct dismissal. Hayden rose at once. "But," he protested before he took a step to depart, "you can not leave me this way. The only way I can think of you is as 'The Lady with the Butterflies,' and it is too cumbersome a [Pg 36]title. It sounds like the name of a picture. It is such a catalogue‑y title." 

[Pg 36]

 "It is really," she agreed with him. "There is no doubt about it. I am sorry," demurely, black lashes again on cheeks of cream, no, carnation. She did not mention her name and Hayden's face fell. 

 "I wonder if you know my cousin, Kitty Hampton," he said at a venture. 

 "My pumpkin coach!" she exclaimed, moving toward the door. 

 "But my reward!" he cried. "I refuse to let you go without bestowing it. It is not honest." 

 She sighed and she smiled, she flushed and wavered. "Then take this assurance," she said, as one driven to a corner. "Believe me when I tell you that when you wish to see me I shall not be hard to find. I have reason to think that you will find it very easy." 

 

[Pg 37]

[Pg 37]

 CHAPTER IV 

 Prev. P 16/142 next