"Maybe!" Croyden laughed. "But things have changed with me, Macloud; I've had time for thought and meditation. I'm not sure I should go back to Northumberland, even if the Parmenter jewels are real. Had I stayed there I suppose I should have taken my chance with the rest, but I'm becoming doubtful, recently, of giving such hostages to fortune. It's all right for a woman to marry a rich man, but it is a totally different proposition for a poor man to marry a rich woman. Even with the Parmenter treasure, I'd be poor in comparison with Elaine Cavendish and her millions--and I'm afraid the sweet bells would soon be jangling out of tune." "Would you condemn the girl to spinsterhood, because there are few men in Northumberland, or elsewhere, who can match her in wealth?" "Not at all! I mean, only, that the man should be able to support her according to her condition in life.--In other words, pay all the bills, without drawing on her fortune." "Those views will never make you the leader of a popular propaganda!" said Macloud, with an amused smile. "In fact, you're alone in the woods." "Possibly! But the views are not irrevocable--I may change, you know. In the meantime, let us go down to Fleet Street and interview Casey. And then, if you're good, I'll take you to call on Miss Carrington." "The Symphony in Blue!" exclaimed Macloud. "Come along, man, come along!" VII GREENBERRY POINT There was no trouble with Casey--he had been mighty glad to take them. And, at about noon of the following day, they drew in to the ancient capital, having made a quick and easy run from Hampton. It was clear, bright October weather, when late summer seems to linger for very joy of staying, and all nature is in accord. The State House, where Washington resigned his commission--with its chaste lines and dignified white dome, when viewed from the Bay (where the monstrosity of recent years that has been hung on behind, is not visible) stood out clearly in the sunlight, standing high above the town, which slumbers, in dignified ease, within its shadow. A few old mansions, up the Spa, seen before they landed, with the promise of others concealed among the trees, higher up, told their story of a Past departed--a finished city. "Where is Greenberry Point?" demanded Macloud, suddenly. "Yonder, sir, on the far side of the Severn--the strip of land which juts out into the Bay." "First hypothesis, dead as a musket!" looking at Croyden. "There isn't a house in sight--except the light-house, and it's a bug-light." "No houses--but where are the trees?" Croyden returned. "It seems pretty low," he said, to the skipper; "is it ever covered with water?" "I think not, sir--the water's just eating it slowly away." Croyden nodded, and faced townward. "What is the enormous white stone building, yonder?" he asked. "The Naval Academy--that's only one of the buildings, sir, Bancroft Hall. The whole Academy occupies a great stretch of land along the Severn."