"He left a good deputy," Macloud replied. "Croyden is well-born and well-bred (the former does not always comprehend the latter, these days), and of Southern blood on his mother's side." "Which hasn't hurt him with us!" she smiled. "We are a bit clannish, still." "Delighted to hear you confess it! I've got a little of it myself." "Southern blood?" He nodded. "Mine doesn't go so far South, however, as Croyden's--only, to Virginia." "I knew it! I knew there was some reason for my liking you!" she laughed. "Can I find any other reason?" "Than your Southern ancestors?--isn't that enough?" "Not if there be a means to increase it." "Southern blood is never satisfied with _some_ things--it always wants more!" "Is the disposition to want more, in Southerners, confined to the male sex?" he laughed. "In _some things_--yes, unquestionably yes!" she retorted. Then changed the subject. "Has Mr. Croyden told you of his experience, last evening?" "With the stranger, yes?" "Do you think he is in danger?" "What possible danger could there be--the treasure isn't at Clarendon." "But they think it is--and desperate men sometimes take desperate means, when they feel sure that money is hidden on the premises." "In a town the size of Hampton, every stranger is known." "How will that advantage, in the prevention of the crime?" she asked. "By making it difficult." "They don't need stay in the town--they can come in an automobile." "They could also drive, or walk, or come by boat," he added. "They are not so likely to try it if there are two in the house. Do you intend to remain at Clarendon some time?" "It depends--on how you treat me." "I engage to be nice for--two weeks!" she smiled. "Done!--I'm booked for two weeks, at least." "And when the two weeks have expired we shall consider whether to extend the period." "To--life?" smiling down at her. She flung him a look that was delightfully alluring. "Do you wish me to--consider that?" she asked, softly. "If you will," he said, bending down. She laughed, gayly. "We are coming on!" she exclaimed. "This pace is getting rather brisk--did you notice it, Mr. Macloud?" "You're in a fast class, Miss Carrington." She glanced up quickly. "Now don't misunderstand me----" "You were speaking in the language of the race track, I presume." "I was--you understand?" "A Southern girl usually loves--horses," with a tantalizing smile. "It is well for you this is a public street," he said. "Why?" she asked, with assumed innocence. "But then if it hadn't been, you would not have ventured to tempt me," he added. "I'm grateful for the temptation, at any rate." "His first temptation!" she mocked. "No, not likely--but his first that he has resisted." "And why did you resist? The fact that we are on a public street would not restrain you. There was absolutely no one within sight--and you knew it." "How do _you_ know it?" "Because I looked." "You were afraid?" "Not at all!--only careful."