“Of course,” he answered, still puzzled. Then, as he started to hand it to her, it opened at the fly-leaf and he drew it back. “Laura Frances Devereux,” he read aloud. He smiled quizzically as he returned the volume. “That proves nothing,” she replied defiantly. “I――I might have borrowed it.” “True, circumstantial evidence is not absolutely conclusive, unless――unless there is a good deal of it!” “You may think what you choose,” she answered lightly. She looked at her watch and prepared to rise. This time Ethan was ready. She gave him her hand and he helped her to her feet. The hand drew itself gently but determinedly out of his and he let it go without a struggle. [Illustration] “Must you go?” he asked. She nodded. Then she laughed. “If you only knew what trouble I have getting here you’d appreciate――――” She broke off, reddening a little. “I do appreciate,” he said earnestly. “And I thank you very much for your kindness this morning to a very undeserving chap. I――do you know, Miss Devereux, I came within an ace of calling at The Larches yesterday afternoon?” She looked up quickly. “Yes, I went for a walk in the afternoon and found myself at the gate over there. I could see that you had a fire in the library and――――” “But how did you know it was the library?” she asked. “Why――er――wasn’t it? I supposed it was. Anyhow, it looked dreadfully tempting. I pictured you sitting in front of it, and I very nearly paid a call.” “I’m glad you didn’t,” she breathed. “Why?” “Because――why, you don’t know me!” “I should have asked for your father and introduced myself.” “Well, you certainly don’t lack assurance!” she gasped. “It would have been all right,” he assured her cheerfully. “You wouldn’t have found him, though,” she said dryly. “Then I would have asked for Mrs. Devereux, and, failing her, Miss Devereux. You see, yesterday I was a bit desperate,” he added smilingly. “Desperate! I should say foolhardy!” “Why? Because I wanted to see you? Look here, please; why shouldn’t I call on you at the house? As I’ve told you, I’m fairly respectable. And――and I want to see you――more often! I suppose it sounds dreadfully cheeky,” he went on softly, “but I want you to like me, and it doesn’t seem to me that I get a fair show.” The color came and went in her cheeks and the violets were hidden from him. “It certainly does sound――cheeky, as you call it,” she said after a moment, rather unsteadily. “Considering that you have seen me but four times.” “Five, if you please. Besides, I don’t see that that matters. In fact, I rather think the mischief was done the first time!” He captured her hand and for a moment it only fluttered in his grasp. Then it tried for liberty, but unsuccessfully. A moment passed, and, “Are you making love to me, Mr. Parmley?” she asked, with a little amused laugh. It was like a cold douche, but he resisted his first impulse to release her. [Illustration]