"Oh, yes, one can. One is," asserted Eveley positively. "Perhaps I should say, when one is married to it," he added, with a sober smile for her assurance. Then he had gone away, and when Lem's pleadings had suddenly ceased, Eveley felt that the little tempest would live its life, and die its death, and perhaps Miriam at least would find happiness in the lull that followed. So it was something of a shock to have her pleasant Sunday morning nap disturbed by Lem pounding briskly upon her window. "Get up, immediately," he said in an assertive voice quite different from his futile and inane pleadings of a short while before. "Hurry, Eveley, I want you. Dress for motoring, my car is here. I shall wait in the garden--give you ten minutes." "He must want me for a bridesmaid for his second wedding," thought Eveley resentfully, as she hurriedly dressed. But accustomed to obey the calls of friendship, she put on a heavy sport skirt and sweater, and had even pulled her soft hat over her curls before she went to the window. "I am ready, but I do not approve of it," she began rather unpleasantly. "You'd better take a doughnut, or a roll, or an orange, or something, for we have no time for breakfast," he said in the same assertive voice. "She will not be back until afternoon, Miss Ledesma. Sorry if it interferes with any of your plans, but it can not be helped. Get your coat, quickly, Eveley." "It does interfere with our plans," she said crossly. "We were going up to the mountains for a beefsteak fry with Jimmy and Nolan." "Never mind," said Marie softly. "It may come another Sunday. Mr. Landis seems to need you." "All ready, Eveley? Let me help you. Good-by, Miss Ledesma." And Eveley found herself marching briskly down the rustic steps away from her own plan and her own desire, and with no knowledge of what lay before her. "You might at least tell me where we are going," she said at last, after he had hurried her into the car and started away. "To see Miriam," he answered. "Oh!" Eveley's voice was a long gasp. She was content to wait after that for his explanation, although it was very slow in coming. "She is at a ranch up in the mountains," he said finally. "About fifty miles. We just located her last night. I have been looking, for her all the time. You are going to talk to her for me." "Oh, am I?" "Yes. I was afraid to come alone for fear she would not see me. She will not refuse to see you." "Do you mind telling me what I am going to say to her?" He was silent a while, thinking. "She refused to take any money from me," he said, presently. "And she has very little. If she persists in this, she will have to work for her living. Miriam can not do that." "No," said Eveley softly.