As for Koltsoff, rankling with the knowledge that if he had taken her at her word and essayed to make the leap, she would have prevented him as she had her chauffeur, his mood was no enviable one. Lost opportunities of any sort are not conducive to mental equanimity. He maintained extreme taciturnity throughout the remainder of the drive and Miss Wellington, whose thoughts seemed also absorbing, made no attempt to restore his ardent spirits. When they entered the Wellington driveway, she glanced at Armitage's well-set back and shoulders and smiled. "McCall," she said, as she stood on the veranda, "I want you to go to Mrs. Van Valkenberg's--where you were this morning--and bring her here. You may have to wait." CHAPTER XIV UNDERGROUND WIRES Armitage was not obliged to wait, however. A tall, well-built young woman, heavily veiled, came down the winding path as he shut off power. When he leaned around to open the door of the tonneau, she threw back her veil and he caught sight of a full, dark, handsome face and eyes filled with a curious light. He slammed the door and turned quickly to the wheel. "What is your name, my man?" The deep alto voice contained a note of mirth. "McCall," replied Armitage gruffly, jerking his head a bit side-wise and then jerking it quickly back again. "You are--not a very good driver," came the voice. "But I should like to employ you. . . . Would you consider leaving Miss Wellington?" Armitage shook his head grouchily. "For a consideration? Come, I won't use you as a chauffeur. I want you for a statue in my Japanese garden. I--" Armitage suddenly pointed the car toward the ocean and stopped. Then he turned in his seat. "Look here, Sara," he said, "if you don't let up, I 'll run you into the ocean." Mrs. Van Valkenberg was rocking with laughter. "Oh, Jack! Jack!" she cried. "This is too rich. What on earth are you up to?" Armitage, who had not seen her since they had attended school together in Louisville, paid no attention to her question. "I had no idea you were in Newport." "I suppose I should expect more of one of my very oldest and best friends," she said. "I was in the Philippines when you married; faint rumors of the event penetrated even there. I was too prostrated to write; besides, I didn't receive any cards." He paused a moment. "Van Valkenberg--that's so; I remember now. He--" "I am a widow," said Sara soberly. "Oh," he was silent, not knowing what to say. She hastened to relieve his embarrassment, smiling brightly. "I was to go to see Anne later in the week, but when I saw you, I simply could n't wait another minute. I wanted a front seat at this little comedy. You see," she raised her eyes knowingly, "I have n't asked you why you are here in the Wellington livery and driving the Wellington car because--because I rather imagine I can guess the reason." She glanced at Armitage, who did not reply.