Major to arrange it at your convenience.”

“And bring Mr. Winthrop out to Sunnyside, Lucius,” said the Colonel. “Some Sunday would be best, I reckon.”

Winthrop accepted the invitations—or perhaps the Major did it for him—and after[148] shaking hands with the Colonel and the Honorable Harry Bartow he was conducted forth by his guide. Their course along the sunlit street was often interrupted, and Winthrop’s list of acquaintances grew with each interruption. It was quite evident that being vouched for by Major Lucius Quintus Cass stood for a good deal, and in every case Winthrop’s welcome was impressively courteous. Once or twice the Major was stopped by men to whom Winthrop was not introduced. After one such occasion the Major said, as they went on:

[148]

“Not one of our kind, Mr. Winthrop; his acquaintance would be of no benefit, sir.”

Winthrop noticed that not once did the Major in his introductions allude to the former’s ownership of Waynewood. And evidently the Major concluded that the fact required elucidation, for when they had finally returned to the corner where stood the Major’s office the latter said:

“You may have observed, Mr. Winthrop, that I have not mentioned your[149] ownership of Waynewood. I thought it as well not to, sir, for as you do not intend to take possession this winter there can be no harm in allowing folks to remain in ignorance of—ah—the change. It will make it much easier, sir, for Miss India and her niece. You agree with me?”

[149]

“Entirely,” replied Winthrop, suppressing a smile. “We will keep the fact a secret for awhile, Major.”

“Quite so, sir, quite so. And now, sir, I should be delighted if you would take dinner with me at the hotel, if you will be so kind.”

But Winthrop declined and, thanking the other for his kindness, shook hands and turned his steps homeward, or, at least, toward Waynewood; he had begun to doubt his possession of that place.

[150]

[150]

VIII.

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