"We will have to ask mamma if we can go," she said. Mrs. Pendleton, who was passing through the corridor at that moment, was called in. She and her elder daughter exchanged glances. "I am sorry," she said, apologetically, "but Sally and I have an engagement for that afternoon." The young millionaire fell into the trap at once. "Then could not Miss Louise accompany me?" he inquired. "If she cares to go, I really have no objection," said Mrs. Pendleton, hiding her delight with an arch smile. When he left, and the two girls had returned to their room, the stormiest kind of a scene followed. "Take care! take care!" cautioned Mrs. Pendleton, to Sally. "Your sister Lou is twenty; you are but eighteen. You should not stand in her way." CHAPTER II. IT IS ONE THING TO ADMIRE A PRETTY GIRL, QUITE ANOTHER THING TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HER. The next afternoon Sally Pendleton watched behind closed blinds as her sister drove off, proud and happy as a queen, in Jay Gardiner's handsome carriage. Louise Pendleton kissed her finger-tips gracefully to the blinds, behind which she knew her rebellious sister was watching. The drive through the country roads was delightful, it was such a fine day, so bright, so sunshiny. Jay Gardiner seemed to feel the influence of it, and almost unconsciously cast aside the mantle of haughtiness and pride, in which he usually wrapped himself, in order to make it pleasant for the beautiful, graceful girl whom fortune and fate had flung in his way. Louise realized what a golden chance she was having, and made the best of it. That was the beginning of the strangest romance that ever was written. When Jay Gardiner helped his fair companion from the buggy, Louise Pendleton looked shyly into her companion's face, murmuring that she had had the most delightful drive of her life. "I am glad you are so well pleased," answered Jay, raising his straw hat with a low bow; adding, gallantly: "I must take your sister out and show her what beautiful roads we have here." Louise was thoroughly diplomatic. A hot flush rose to her face, but she crushed back the words that sprung to her lips, saying sweetly: "You are indeed thoughtful, Mr. Gardiner. I am sure Sally will appreciate it." "We will arrange it for to-morrow," he said. "I would be delighted to have you accompany us. I will drop in at the hop this evening, and you can let me know." Louise and her mother had a long talk that afternoon. "I think she may as well go with you," said the mother. "I am positive that he will prefer you to your sister. Fair men usually like their opposites in complexion." The following afternoon the two sisters went driving with handsome Jay in his splendid T-cart, and were the envy of every girl in the village. He did his best to entertain them. He drove them over to Great Barrington, and through the spacious grounds that surrounded the Castle.