'Not one chance in this life,' she assured them. 'If you knew the language poor dear Ned has used about you gentlemen of the Press worrying him down at Lakeside during the last few months, you'd only wonder that he has let you off so lightly.' 'Then perhaps,' Lavendale's acquaintance suggested, 'we'd better be getting along.' The Hamlin Trio, at the other end of the piazza, suddenly ceased their labours, made a collective bow and disappeared. The newspaper men still lingered, looking longingly at the bolted window. Mrs. Moreton shook her head. 'Just leave him alone for a little time,' she begged. 'He has got a down on you newspaper gentlemen, and the way they worried him down at New Jersey has pretty well driven him crazy. Don't try him any more this morning, if you please,' she persisted. 'It's my belief this little joke he's played on you kept him out of the hospital.' The silvery-haired old lady, with her earnest eyes and the little quaver in her tone, triumphed. The little company reluctantly dispersed. Lavendale and Suzanne were on the point of following the others when a head was thrust cautiously out of a window on the second storey of the house. 'Has the Press of the United States departed?' Mr. Moreton inquired. 'They've all gone, dear,' his wife called out soothingly. 'Then bring the others in to luncheon,' Mr. Moreton invited. 'I'll bring them in right away,' Mrs. Moreton promised. 'Say, that's a good sign, young people,' she added, turning to them cheerfully. 'He has hated the sight of company lately, but I did feel real uncomfortable at sending you away without any offer of hospitality. He has locked this window fast enough,' she added, trying it, 'but come right along with me and I'll show you another way in.' They followed her along the piazza. Lavendale and Suzanne fell a little way behind. It was their first opportunity. 'How long have you been here?' he asked eagerly. 'What did you come for? Why didn't you let me know?' 'I have been in New York four days,' she told him. 'I was on the _City of Paris_. We passed you near Queenstown. As for the rest, I suppose I am here for the same reason that you are. Monsieur Senn, the great electrician, has been working on the same lines as Moreton for years, and he persuaded me to get a letter from the American Ambassador in Paris and come out here. I do not suppose, though, that it is any use. They say that Mr. Moreton is like you--American inventions for the American people.' 'I've wobbled once or twice,' he reminded her. 'Of course, there's always a chance,' she murmured. 'Say that you are glad to see me?' he begged. She gave his hand a little squeeze. Then Mrs. Moreton turned round with a motherly smile. 'If you'll take your cocktail in the smoking-room with Jimmy, Mr. Lavendale,' she said, 'I'll look after Miss de Freyne.' ...