ut the gleaming gold in her
hair.

She looked up with a shy smile of welcome, and instantly he felt the charm
a woman could bring to a room like this--a room full of rest and
harmony--a haven to a man wearied from the day's work.

He sat by the table opposite her--too content to desire his pipe.

"Where are they all?" he asked presently.

"Francis was tired and repentant after the excitement wore off and was
quite ready to go to bed early. Billy and Betty followed suit. Mrs. Merlin
has a headache."

"How did you come to be riding with Gene this morning?" he asked
abruptly.

"Mrs. Merlin asked us to go to her cottage for some things she needed. She
thought Gene wouldn't be able to find them."

The natural tone of her reply and her utter lack of surprise or resentment
at his question quite appeased him.

"It's a little cool to-night," he said suddenly. "Wouldn't you like to
have a fire?"

She thought it would be nice, and interestedly watched him build one in
the big fireplace.

He formed a fortress of logs with the usual huge one for a background.
When he had a fire to his liking he came and sat beside her.

"That was wonderful--what you did this morning," he said abruptly.

"No; it was simply instinctive."

"It was a hair-breadth thing to do, but very brave."

"It wasn't bravery," she denied after a moment's reflection. "It was--I
can't tell you just what it was."

"It made me bless the fate that led me to you that day."

"Then," she said lightly, but coloring confusedly, "I am glad I was able
to do it--to repay you and Mrs. Kingdon in part. But where have you been
all day?"

"I have been down in the farthest field."

"Working?"

"Yes; and thinking. Thinking of you--and what you did."

"Where did you have dinner?"

"I have had none. I am only just aware that I would like some. I came
through the kitchen on my way in, but the cook didn't seem to be about."

"They are having some sort of entertainment in the mess hall."

"I am glad you didn't go," he said impetuously.

"I thought you would rather I didn't go," she replied docilely. "I will
try to find you something to eat. Will you come and help me? Cook says you
are a champion coffee maker."

They went through the kitchen into a smaller room.

"Betty calls this the 'kitchen yet!' But can you cook?" said Kurt.

"I am glad I won't be called upon to prove it. The larder's well larded,
and I will set this little table while you make the cof