“I am the possessor of some worldly wealth, not a great deal, but enough for one of my simple tastes. I am even a member of the landed gentry, since I own a piece of land with a house on it. I also own an automobile, and it is that I have to thank for this pleasant meeting.” She smiled a question. “I left Boston bright and early Monday morning with Farrell. Farrell calls himself a chauffeur, in proof of which he displays a license and a badge. If it wasn’t for that license and that badge I’d never suspect it. Farrell’s principal duty seems to be to hand me wrenches and screw-drivers and things when I lie on my back in the road and take a worm’s-eye view of the machine. All went as nice as you please until we reached a spot some two miles north of this charming hamlet. There things happened. I won’t weary you with a detailed list of the casualties. Suffice it to say that I walked into Riverdell and Farrell followed an hour later leaning luxuriously back in the car and watching that the tow-rope didn’t snap. I ate a supplementary breakfast at the Inn while Farrell entertained the blacksmith, and then, having nothing better to do, I dropped the canoe into the water and paddled downstream. Ever since I stole my first apple forbidden territory has possessed an unholy fascination for me, and that is why, perhaps, I roamed up the brook and stumbled, as it were, into Arcady.” [Illustration] “What color is your machine?” she asked. “Exceedingly blue.” “And――isn’t it almost repaired?” “Er――almost, yes.” “It is taking a long while, seems to me.” “Well, its malady was grave. I think it had tonsillitis, judging from the sounds it made.” “Indeed? But it seemed to go very well.” “I beg your pardon?” “I said that it seemed to go very well.” “You have seen it?” “Yes, it passed the house yesterday at about two o’clock.” “There are a great many blue cars in the world,” he defended. “Has it returned yet?” she asked, unheeding. “No. The fact is, I was on my way to Stillhaven to visit friends there, so I sent the car on for them to use. I have observed that, failing my presence, the car does fairly well for my friends.” [Illustration] “What a pessimist! And you are staying in Riverdell?” “For a few days, yes; at the Roadside.” “Riverdell should feel flattered to find that you prefer it to Stillhaven as a summer resort.” She gathered her skirts together with one hand and started to rise. Ethan jumped to his feet and enjoyed the intoxicating felicity of feeling her hand in his. [Illustration] “Thank you,” she murmured, smoothing her gown. Then, with a return of that provoking, mocking little smile, “Would it be a terrible blow to your vanity,” she asked, “if I were to tell you that your guesses are all wrong?” “Terrible,” he answered anxiously. “Then I won’t tell you,” she said soothingly. “But――but――they’re not wrong, are they?” “‘Where ignorance is bliss――――’” she murmured. “But I’d rather know! Tell me the worst, please!”