ddenly to remember our conversation of
the afternoon. "Oh, by the by," said I, "that fellow I was telling you
about turns out to be better than I thought. He's not a professional
chauffeur, and apparently he's a gentleman by birth. Anyhow, he's a
protege of James Strickland the New York lawyer, and is introduced here
by him, not by me. He's got the countersign! We'd better consider him a
friend and let him pass--what?"

"Oh, certainly, if he's under the protection of Strickland," said Mrs.
Sam. "James Strickland is the most successful of the decent lawyers in
New York. One never knows when one may want his services, and he's
merciless, positively _merciless_, if he gets down on anybody. We'll let
sleeping dogs lie."

Whether she meant that Strickland or Storm was a sleeping dog, or that
they'd both lain down together, I don't know, and don't care. I'd got
what I wanted!

"I wonder why it is Miss Moore's green dress seemed so becoming the
first part of the evening," said the oldest and shortest Miss Goodrich
to me when we were sitting out an extra (I'd as soon try to dance with
the Statue of Liberty as with her), "and now it doesn't suit her at
all."

If she'd known it, that remark was less complimentary to me than to
Patty herself; but she didn't know, for the engagement isn't out yet.
It won't be till after I arrive at Kidd's Pines with the ring (choosing
it is part of my business in New York), and meanwhile I've gone into all
these details in my letter to you, so that you'll be "on to" the
situation. I've helped you, and if you see any need for a special effort
before I get back (or afterward either for that matter) I shall rely on
you. Besides, each one of us agreed to report progress to the other. If
I hadn't seized upon this happy thought for the dance, I might have had
my work cut out to get Patty, once you'd secured the father. I have a
vague and not very self-flattering idea that she was keeping me up her
sleeve, so to speak, for use in order to "save" her father. Well, she
"saved" Storm instead, so her philanthropic instincts haven't been
wasted. The question is--though you mayn't think me very gallant to ask
it--is there any fear of its working the other way round? I, having
permanently promoted the family fortunes, will our friend "Larry" jog on
quietly with the bit in his mouth?

You have fair warning, anyhow, and I hope to see you day after
to-morrow.

I am a different man from the one who wrote you