ary's feelings for her. He had
called her, tenderly, "little moonbeam," and in one long rapturous dance
it had come to them that the meaning of life was love.

She dressed in a daze of happiness, in the knowledge that presently she
was to see him again. How would they meet? Where? What would the odious
Darlington woman say when she knew that "the surly little thing" had
captured her captain?

She took great pains with her toilet, stared at herself long in the
glass. She wished she were beautiful, like Mrs. Darlington, or Max. He
deserved the most radiant creature in the world! How could he care for a
plain mite like herself? _Did_ he?

In a sudden collapse into deep depression she sought Miss Watts and
hurried her downstairs. No signs of him in the breakfast room. Later she
led Miss Watts up and down every veranda, but a complete survey of the
grounds brought no results.

"We ought not to exercise so violently right after breakfast, Isabelle.
Let us sit down in the shade for a little."

Isabelle agreed; it did not matter to her what they did just now, and
these seats gave a view of every one who came out of the hotel.

"What shall we do to-day?" inquired Miss Watts.

"Oh--I don't know"--indifferently.

Some people were coming out now. A tall woman, a girl, and a boy. The
girl stared at Isabelle and then advanced.

"Aren't you Isabelle Bryce?" she asked.

"Why, Agnes Pollock!" exclaimed Isabelle.

Introductions and explanations followed. The girls had known each other
at Hill Top School. Agnes was convalescing from an appendicitis
operation. She was with her mother and her brother, who greeted Isabelle
cordially.

"Heard a lot about you!" said Percy Pollock, who was a beautiful blond
person, slightly older than the girls. "You were the terror at Hill Top,
weren't you?"

"I didn't have much chance. I was only there one year," laughed
Isabelle.

"I hope you'll wake up this dull isle," said he.

"Dull?" cried Isabelle, blushing furiously at her tone.

They all sat down together, in the aimless way of holiday makers, but
Isabelle's eyes were ever on the door. Where was the man? Did he lie
abed all morning? And such a morning!

"Isabelle, let's go for a walk down the beach. I've such heaps to tell
you about Hill Top."

"Good idea," said Percy, promptly.

"Not you. Just Isabelle and me. We want to talk."

"I--think I won't this morning. I--I'd rather not," began Isabelle.

Then she stopped short. He