“That’s nice of you, Vin, but really I can’t. I’ve simply got to be in Boston this evening. Tell them, please, that I’m very sorry, will you? And that I hope to have the pleasure some other time. Make it all right, like a good chap.” “Well. But you’re coming over to Stillhaven later, aren’t you?” “Maybe; perhaps in a week or two.” “That’s rotten! Look here, Eth, can’t I get in on this? I don’t know what’s up, and I won’t ask, but if I can help you any way――――” “Of course, old man. If you could I’d say so. But there isn’t anything wrong. I’ll explain later. It’s all right.” “Doubt it. But you know best, I dare say.” They turned by mutual consent and strolled back toward the Inn. Presently Vincent broke the silence again. “By the way, I haven’t told you quite all, Eth; I’m engaged.” “The deuce you are!” Ethan simulated intense surprise. “Yep!” Vincent grinned triumphantly. “Who to, you idiot?” “Why, haven’t I told you? To Laura Devereux. They’re the folks I’ve been talking about. They have The Larches. You knew that!” “Yes, but――when did it happen?” “About an hour or so ago. I didn’t mean to do it to-day, but――hang it, Eth, I just simply had to! She’s the best girl in the world, old chap, and the prettiest too. I want you to see her. When you do you’ll understand. I told her about you and she wants me to bring you up to-night.” “I hope you’ll be mighty happy, Vin.” They shook hands there in the empty road very gravely in spite of their smiling faces. “And congratulate her, too, old man. You’re rather a good sort――at times. And of course I’ll get you to take me to see her just as soon as I come back. I’ll have to get on the good side of her so she’ll let me come and see you once in a while when you’re married. When’s it to be?” [Illustration] “Don’t be an ass!” grunted Vincent. “As for when, well, we haven’t settled that yet. Maybe it won’t be until Spring; I fancy she would rather wait until then. And I ought to get things fixed up a bit first, too,” he added vaguely. “Oh, it won’t take you long to burn a few letters and photographs,” answered Ethan flippantly. “Go to the deuce! Do we eat now?” After dinner they sat together on the porch until such time as Vincent thought he might venture to return to The Larches, and Ethan listened patiently and with attempted enthusiasm to his friend’s mild ravings. Vincent was ludicrously happy. “It’s all so darned funny!” he kept repeating. “A few hours ago I was scared to death for fear she wouldn’t have me, and now――――” “And now you’re a goner,” finished Ethan. “Laugh if you want to,” replied Vincent happily. “I expected you would. I thought you’d cut up worse than you have, old chap. My time will come!” “When it does, you let me know,” scoffed Ethan. “Look here, I wish you’d give up this Boston business and go along with me to-night, Eth. I――there’s a reason.” “Nonsense, you’re beyond reason. Besides, I can’t give it up, Vin. Sorry; wish I could.”