He reached up a long, lazy arm and removed the dog from his friend's lap; then, lying flat on his back and holding Wiggles quite close to his face, he very calmly winked at him! And believe it or not, Diary, with my own eyes I saw Wiggles solemnly and unmistakably _wink back_! If that isn't Black Magic, what is it? After that, we three chatted comfortably for the better part of an hour. Mr. Penny, gradually coming forth from his shell, proved a wholly delightful companion. And I flirted! I've read about it in books, of course, but haven't been able to practise very much. Still, I think I did very well for a beginner. I am sure Dr. Denton thought so too, for once I heard him say "Minx!" to Wiggles, quite fretfully. Anyway, he didn't seem to like it. When they got up to go, I begged Mr. Penny to come again. His response was very flattering. "Indeed I will," he began. But Dr. Denton interrupted him. "I thought you had a pressing engagement in town," he said, significantly. Mr. Penny made a really magnificent gesture of carelessness. "I have forgotten it!" he said. "I'm reminding you," said his "old college chum" nastily. I put down my hand to Wiggles, who kissed it obligingly. "Were you ever in a manger, Wiggles darling?" I asked with interest. Wiggles barked. And Mr. Penny, who had just discovered that Dr. Denton had been lying on his hat, turned to me with an expression of bewilderment. "I beg your pardon," he said, with his ruined headgear in his hand. "I was just speaking to Wiggles," I assured him. "Oh!" I have no doubt that he thought me mad. Still, he must like a certain form of insanity, for his farewell was almost tragic. As he left, he bent near me and said, quite low, "I'm awfully glad you like Richard Warren, Miss Carroll." "Why?" I asked innocently. But, if he answered at all, his reply was swallowed up in Dr. Denton's laugh, an insulting cachinnation, to say the least. And as _he_ left, the Creature bent near me and said, quite loudly, "You don't fight fair, Adversary!" I suppose, Diary, if I repeat how much I dislike him, you will finally cease to believe me. But I think you may safely take it for granted. Isn't it odd that Mr. Penny should be very blond and shy? It isn't possible that...? Of course not, and yet.... Well, foolish of me or not, it will be difficult to write Richard Warren now, as long as I half suspect. There was a stiltedness about my letter to him today even. And yet.... I can't quite believe it. Probably Mr. John Denton was only drawing on his imagination, after all! Still...? New York City September 28th Dear Lady!