"For Heaven's sake, come to me at once. The expected has happened, and
I don't know what to do. The motor will wait and bring you.

CLARA WAPPINGER."

[Illustration: DRAWN BY FRANK CRAIG
MRS. BAYFORD WAS PURRING TO HER GUESTS]

XIX

As Diane entered, Mrs. Wappinger, dishevelled and distraught, was
standing in the hail, a slip of yellow paper in her hand.

"Oh, my dear, I'm so glad you've come! I'm just about crazy! Read this!"

Diane took the paper and read:

"D. and I are to be married to-night. Be ready to receive us
to-morrow.
CARLI."

"When did this come?" Diane asked, quickly.

"About half an hour ago. I sent for you at once."

"I see it's dated from Lakefield. Where's that?"

Mrs. Wappinger explained that Lakefield was a small winter health resort
some two hours by train from New York. She and Carli had stayed there,
more than once, at the Bay Tree Inn. He would naturally go to the same
hotel, only, when she had telephoned to it, a few minutes ago, she could
find no one of the name in residence. Under the circumstances, Diane
suggested, he would probably not give his name at all. There followed a
few minutes of silent reflection, during which Mrs. Wappinger gazed at
Diane, in the half-tearful helplessness of one not used to coping with
unusual situations.

"Won't you come in and sit down?" she asked, with a sudden realization
that they were still standing beneath the light in the hail.

"No," Diane answered, with decision; "it isn't worth while. May I have
the motor for an hour or so?"

"Why, certainly. But where are you going?"

"I'm going first to Mr. Pruyn's, and afterward to Lakefield."

"To Lakefield? Then I'll go with you. We could go in the car."

Diane negatived both suggestions. The motor might break down, or the
chauffeur might lose his way; the train would be safer. If any one went
with her, it would have to be Mr. Pruyn.

"But don't go to bed," she added, "or at least have some one to answer
the telephone, for I'll ring you up as soon as I have news for you."

"God bless you, dear," Mrs. Wappinger murmured. "I know you'll do your
best for me, and them. Keep the auto as long as you like; and if you
decide to go down in it, just say so to Laporte."

But Diane seemed to hesitate before going. A flush came into her cheek,
and she twisted her fingers in embarrassment.

"I wonder", she faltered, "if--if--you could let me have a little money?
I shall need