The fire was a monster, and Roger and Beatrice--who addressed him alternately as Chang and Mr. Wade--were soon drying out. They talked and laughed in the highest spirits, not unmindful of the gloominess of the silent, listening brother and fiancé, but positively enjoying it. Presently Beatrice turned to her brother and said, “I’ve persuaded Mr. Wade to accept mother’s invitation.” Roger smiled agreeably. “Not exactly, Miss Richmond,” parried he, as skillfully as if the stroke had not come without the least warning. “I couldn’t be sure, you know.” Beatrice looked at the watchful Vanderkief--a handsome fellow, almost as big as Roger, but having the patterned air of a fashionable man instead of Roger’s air of unscissored individuality. “Chang is still the toiling hermit,” said she. “Mother’s having hard work to get him even for dinner.” She turned to Roger. “You must come, this once, Chang,” pleaded she. In an undertone she added, “You owe it to me--to help me out.” “There’s no resisting that,” said he, but he did not conceal his dissatisfaction. Vanderkief’s jealousy would no longer permit him to be silent. He blurted out: “I don’t see why you annoy Mr.--Mr.----” “Wade,” assisted Roger easily. “I thought it was Chang,” said Vanderkief with a slight sneer. “So it is,” cried Beatrice gayly. “But only for the favored few whom Mr. Wade admits to friendship. You know he’s not like you and Heck, Hanky. He’s a real personage. He can do things.” Hanky looked as if he would like nothing on earth or in Heaven so much as a chance at this big, impressive-looking mystery, with bare fists and no referee. “I was about to say,” he went on, “it’s a shame to annoy so busy and important a chap with invitations.” Roger looked at him in a large, tolerant way that visibly delighted Beatrice. “Much obliged, Vanderkief,” said he. “But I’m fond of the Richmonds, and it’s a pleasure to break my rule for them.” He beamed on Heck. “I _am_ glad to see you again!” he exclaimed. “I didn’t realize how much I had missed you till I saw you once more. Isn’t this like old times?” “Well, I guess,” said Heck on the broad grin. “It is old times!” “But you’d better take your sister home now--walk her briskly every inch of the way. Really, she ought to run.” “No,” said Beatrice. “I’m going back as I came.” “But who’s to wade into that icy water for your canoe?” inquired Roger. “Not I, for one.” “Certainly not,” cried she. “I spoke without thinking. I’ll send one of the servants for it in a boat.” “Now, hurry along,” said Roger; “and walk fast. And if I can arrange to come to dinner I’ll send up a note this afternoon.” Beatrice was eying him reproachfully; but as Hank was watching her she did not venture to protest. “I’ll see you to-morrow morning,” said she. “Oh, no--don’t bother to come. I’ll let you know when I need you.” “So this is where you’ve been spending your mornings?” said Vanderkief.