within
any ordinary range of vision. If there were no certain revelation in
the short, smartly-attired, quick-moving figure, there could be no
mistake concerning the vividly brilliant hair, which glowed under the
saucily-turned fabric of felt, feathers and velvet which crowned it,
like a brilliant cloud display over a red sunset. Mr. Brassfield
seemed to recognize her, for he quickened his pace so as to overtake
her before she could come to a gateway, into which her glance and
movements indicated that she was about to turn. He walked up by her
side, and manifested to her his presence by falling into step and
lightly pinching her shapely elbow.

"How-de-do, Daisy-daise!" said he, with the utmost assurance. "When
did you bring the town the blessing of your presence?"

The lady gave a little scream.

"'Gene Brassfield!" she ejaculated; and then, with a little quivering
emphasis, "You! How you frightened me!"

"I know, I know!" replied Brassfield, peeping under the big hat into
her eyes. "Almost scared to death, as is quite proper. But, to my
question: how long, how long hast been here?"

"Oh, several days--before you came back. Aunty wanted me to be here
when her sister, my Aunt Hunter from Hazelhurst--that's up in
Wisconsin--visits her. There's to be a reception. Of course you'll be
there, and----"

"Of course," responded Brassfield. "Did I ever absent myself from any
social affair in which your charming aunt, Mrs. Pumphrey, is
interested? Nay, nay; but don't dodge. Why this throw-down? Why
didn't you let me know----"

"'Gene," said the girl, "you can't deceive me. I'm ashamed that I
wrote the note, and your telling a fib about getting it won't make it
any better. But it was wicked of you not to answer. I only wanted you
to come to me and--and talk it all over, and say good-by for ever. It
wasn't necessary to----"

"I have never received any note," said Brassfield, totally unconscious
of the missive which Amidon had promptly waste-basketed. "What was it?"

"Really? Didn't you?" she queried, pouting her red lips most kissably.
"A little note, unsigned, with some--some verses? No? Then I'll
forgive you--for that. But--go on, 'Gene, up to the house yonder--go
on!"

"You oughtn't to be permitted to run at large," said he, "with that
hat, and those lips. I wonder if any one's looking?"

"You mustn't talk that way," she said, "nor look at me like that! Go
on, or I shall cry--or something