same by me. Am sending you our route, but suppose you
will arrive in few days."

Her answer came to St. Andrews, at a jolly, golfing sort of hotel where
I ought to have been as happy as the day was long.

"As S. has not joined you prefer stop on here. Eyes not well yet.
Mr. Bennett's sister has influenza. She would prefer Maud and Fred
visit Round House later--say toward end of next week."

I had no faith in that attack of influenza. The microbe was probably
hatched in conversation between Aline and Mrs. Bal, who had by this time
become tremendous allies. My theory was that Aline, knowing Somerled not
to be near Barrie, had settled down to enjoy the fleeting moment. She
might not be happy, but I could understand that the society of Mrs. Bal
(who evidently wanted her) was preferable to motoring with a brother,
and a girl of whom she was jealous.

The same day came a long expensive wire to Barrie from her mother:

"So sorry darling but unfortunately must put you off. Don't come
first of Glasgow week. Wait till Saturday, arriving late afternoon
or evening. Mrs. West says her friends and brother will like
keeping you till then so you needn't worry. We can have nice visit
together later and settle everything for you in some delightful
way. Making plans now. Don't forget you for a moment. Best reasons
for delay. Will explain when we meet. Sending you letter with
little present of money. Don't stint yourself. Write often. Tell me
all that interests you. Ever your loving Barbara."

"Why do you suppose she can't have me the first of the week?" Barrie
asked piteously, when she had shown this message.

"I can't say, I'm sure," I cautiously replied. This was literally true.
I could not say: but I could guess. And a letter from Aline which came
two or three days later, confirmed my Sherlockian deductions.

"My DEAR OLD BOY" [she wrote]: "I was so glad to get your
telegram, and meant to have written at once, but waited on second
thoughts to have a little more news. It is a relief to know that
Ian hasn't followed that girl. Of course I feel it as much for your
sake as my own, for he is a dangerous rival to any man. It _is_ odd
where he can have gone; though he may turn up here again any day,
as he has left his car and chauffeur. If he had wanted to be nice,
he might have offered me the use of both while he was away; but I