ago, is a scientist, an
Egyptologist, a philosopher. Why should he not be interested in the
same things which interest your father?"

"It is quite true," she admitted. "I had not thought of that."

"At the present moment," Burton continued, moving a little on one side,
"they are probably in the dining-room drinking Hock and seltzer, and
your father is explaining to your fiance the phenomenon of my
experiences. I wonder whether he will believe them?"

"Mr. Bomford," she said, "will believe anything that my father tells
him."

"Are you very much in love?" Burton asked, irrelevantly.

"You ask such absurd questions," she replied. "Nowadays, one is never
in love."

"How little you know of what goes on nowadays!" he sighed. "What about
myself? Do I need to tell you that I am hopelessly in love with you?"

"You," she declared, "are a phenomenon. You do not count."

The professor and his guest came through the French window, arm in arm,
talking earnestly.

"Look at them!" Burton groaned. "They are talking about me--I can tell
it by their furtive manner. Mr. Bomford has heard the whole story. He
is a little incredulous but he wishes to be polite to his future
father-in-law. What a pity that I could not have a relapse while he is
here!"

"Couldn't you?" she exclaimed. "It would be such fun!"

Burton shook his head.

"Nothing but the truth," he declared sadly.

Mr. Bomford, without his motoring outfit, was still an unprepossessing
figure. He wore a pince-nez; his manner was fussy and inclined to be a
little patronizing. He had the air of an unsuccessful pedagogue. He
was obviously regarding Burton with a new interest. During tea-time he
conversed chiefly with Edith, who seemed a little nervous, and answered
most of his questions with monosyllables. Burton and the professor were
silent. Burton was watching Edith and the professor was watching
Burton. As soon as the meal was concluded, the professor rose to his
feet.

"Edith, my dear," he said, "we wish you to leave us for a minute or two.
Mr. Bomford and I have something to say to Mr. Burton."

Edith, with a slight shrug of the shoulders, rose to her feet. She
caught a glance from Burton and turned at once to her fiance.

"Am I to be taken for a ride this evening?" she asked.

"A little later on, by all means, my dear Edith," Mr. Bomford declared.
"A little later on, certainly. Your father has kindly invited me to
stay and dine. It will give me very much ple