There was an indulgent expression in Huntington's eye as he listened. "Yes," he acquiesced; "it is always difficult for any one to see the other fellow's viewpoint. But don't apologize; I think I like you better when you're quiet.--Now, if you don't mind, I'll have a word with Mrs. Thatcher." He strolled leisurely to the table where the Thatcher party sat. "I am going over to Mr. Hamlen's villa this afternoon," he announced; "I wonder if Miss Merry would care to go with me." "I'd love to," the girl replied promptly, with evident eagerness in her voice. "Especially if you are going to talk with him as you did the other evening," she added. "You're taking that Hamlen chap rather seriously, aren't you?" Stevens volunteered. "He's entitled to it," Huntington said with a decision which Stevens took to be a rebuff, and subsided. Mrs. Thatcher was quick to understand that Huntington was acting in response to her suggestion of the night before, and her face showed her appreciation. "I have wanted Merry to see those wonderful grounds," she exclaimed; "this is just the time to do it." "When does our Society go into executive session?" asked Edith, with a significant smile; "my committee wishes to report progress." "Splendid!" Huntington responded. "The notices shall be sent out at once." Then he turned again to Merry. "You'll go?" he asked. "Of course I will; I'll be ready whenever you say." "I'll telephone Hamlen and see what time he would prefer to have us come." * * * * * "Shall we walk?" she asked him, as they met at the appointed hour on the piazza of the hotel. "It's over two miles," he suggested doubtfully. The idea of walking anywhere when a conveyance was within reach never occurred to Huntington naturally. "I don't mind the distance at all unless you do," she replied; "I always walk when I can, and the afternoon is delightful."