ng the places where she used to find daffodils and
primroses and violets. A longing seemed to seize upon her as the
church bells left off ringing, and then she heard a hooter, and saw a
dark-red motor-car stop at the door, with a chauffeur driving and
Jimmy, with a light-brown fur rug over his knees, sitting alone behind.

"A magnificent morning!" he cried, entering her sitting-room a few
moments later. "I couldn't resist the temptation, and to tell you the
truth, I didn't try very hard. I hope you'll let me take you for a
spin into the country."

"Of course it would be lovely!" said Bridget.

"Then I shall give you five minutes to get ready," answered Jimmy.

"I really mustn't," she insisted.

"Why not?" he demanded. "Aren't you as free as the larks?"

Bridget sighed as she stood looking out at the car in the street below.

"Come," urged Jimmy. "Let me take you to hear them sing!"

"Where?" she faltered.

"Oh, you must give me carte-blanche!"

"Suppose I were reckless enough!" said Bridget.

"We would go to the farthest and most secluded corner of the earth
where the sun always shines, but never too fiercely."

"Then," she cried more brightly, "English wouldn't be spoken."

"You and I would understand each other," said Jimmy. "That is all I
care for."

"There would be the coming back," she suggested.

"Not necessarily," he replied, and Bridget seemed to start as if some
fresh idea had suddenly occurred to her mind. "Anyhow, we needn't
think of returning before we set out," he continued.

"I mustn't," she repeated.

"But, indeed, you must."

"Mr. Clynesworth----"

"What," he asked, "is the matter with 'Jimmy'?"

"I fancy he is very--very foolish," said Bridget. "I should have to
get back by three o'clock," she added.

"Well, half a loaf is better than no bread," he returned.

"You promise faithfully I shall be home by three!"

"Anything in the world so that you come," said Jimmy.

She went to get ready, and presently returned wearing a small hat which
became her as well as the wide-brimmed one in which he had seen her the
other morning. She carried a heavy cloak over her arm, and seemed to
find it difficult to button her gloves. Finally she held out her hand
to Jimmy, who lingered over the process; but by and by they went
down-stairs together, out into the street, and he put her into the car,
tucking the fur rug about her before taking his seat by her side.
Colonel Faversham was a