within the range of her experience. That three
people, clearly so surprised to meet in this particular spot, should not
proceed voluminously to explain to each other within her hearing the
cause of their surprise, was to her an extraordinary thing. But after
the first moment's expression of wonder the three seemed to accept the
fact as a matter of course, and began to exchange observations
concerning the weather, the roads, and various other matters of
comparatively small importance. It was not until Uncle Rufus, rounding a
high-piled counter with his wife and Hugh Benson, came upon the group,
that anything was said of which the curious young person behind the
counter could make enough to guess at the situation.

"Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Kendrick!" he exclaimed, after one keen
look, and hastened forward, hand outstretched. So the group now became
doubled in size, and Uncle Rufus expressed great pleasure at seeing
again the young man whose hospitality he had enjoyed during the
Christmas house-party.

"But I didn't suppose we should ever see you up here in our town," said
he, "especially in winter. Come by the morning train?"

"I've been here for a month, most of the time," Richard told him.

"You have? And didn't come to see us? Well, now--"

"I didn't know this was your home, Mr. Gray," admitted the young man
frankly. "I don't remember your mentioning the name of Eastman while you
and Mrs. Gray were with us. Probably you did, and if I had realized you
were here--"

"You'd have come? Well, you know now, and I hope you'll waste no time in
getting out to the 'Gray Farm.' Only two miles out, and the trolley runs
by within a few rods of our turn of the road--conductor'll tell you.
Better come to-night," he urged genially, "seeing my nieces are here and
can help make you feel at home. They'll be going back in a day or two."

Richard, smiling, looked at Aunt Ruth, then at Roberta. "Do come," urged
Aunt Ruth as cordially as her husband, and Roberta gave a little nod of
acquiescence.

"I shall be delighted to come," he agreed.

"Putting up at the hotel?" inquired Uncle Rufus.

"I'm staying for the present with my friend Mr. Benson," Richard
explained, with a glance toward Benson himself, who had moved aside to
speak to a clerk. "We were classmates at college. We have--gone into
business together here."

It was out. As he spoke the words his face changed colour a little, but
his eyes remained steadily fixed on U