"Roger--you do understand? That--tantrum--meant nothing. She's such an impulsive child." He smiled. "I know. Don't you worry. Besides, it was my fault. I was teasing her all the evening. It was not what she expected. Oh, I'm growing subtle enough to please even you, Elsbeth. You know, she's had rather a full day. Evidently a scorching afternoon with that delightful friend of hers, to start with----" "Ah?" said Elsbeth, her eyes brightening. "Oh, yes; she was distinctly chastened. I improved the occasion, and you've about finished her off, the poor old girl! I was expecting that little exhibition." "I believe--I believe you enjoy upsetting her," began Elsbeth, rather indignantly. "Of course I do. It's as good as a play!" Elsbeth sighed. "Well--I suppose it's all right. You'll have to manage her for the future, not I." "Oh, she'll do all the managing," said Roger ruefully. "I foresee that this is my last stand. She's just a trifle in awe of me, at present, you know, though she doesn't know it. But it won't last. And then--heaven help me! But, you know, Cousin Elsbeth--to be henpecked by Alwynne--don't you think it will be quite pleasant?" "It is. She's bullied me since she was three. Oh, Roger, I shall miss her." She blinked rapidly. Roger stared away from her in awkward sympathy. "You shan't, not very much," he said. "We'll fix things. You'll have to come and settle with us." Elsbeth fidgeted. "You know, you took my breath away in the kitchen just now," she said. "Are you quite sure it's all right? Does Alwynne _know_ she's engaged to you?" He perpended. "Well, frankly--I don't think she did quite take it in." "Roger!" "But I'm buying the engagement ring to-morrow," he added hastily. "That'll clear things up." Elsbeth looked at him helplessly. "Roger, either you're a genius or a lunatic. I'm not sure which--but, I think, a lunatic." "Oh, well! We shall know to-morrow," he observed consolingly. "I shall turn up about eleven. Keep Alwynne for me, won't you?" Elsbeth struck her hands together. "It's Clare Hartill's birthday! I'd almost forgotten her! Alwynne will be engrossed. Oh, Roger! You've been telling me fairy tales. We've forgotten Clare Hartill!" Roger picked up the scattered cards. With immense caution he poised a couple, tent fashion, and builded about them, till a house was complete. He added storey after storey, frowning and absorbed. At the sixth, the structure collapsed. He looked up and met Elsbeth's eyes. "People in card-houses shouldn't raise Cain. It's an expensive habit," he remarked sententiously. "Elsbeth, don't worry! But keep Alwynne till I come to-morrow, won't you?" "I'll try." "Of course, if she's still in a temper----Hulloa!"