no
less of love and gratitude than the costlier gifts, of which there was
no mean array.

"I see you've married him, patients and all, Ellen Burns," declared
Richard Warburton. "On the whole, it's your wisest course. The less he
knows you mind their devotion to him--"

"Mind it!" She gave him the flash of which the soft black eyes were
brilliantly capable. "Dick, I have no gift I like so well as that
rat-trap. You don't know the story, but I do, and it means to
me--fidelity to duty. And if there's one great big thing in the world I
think it's that!"

Over her head, Dick Warburton nodded at his brother-in-law. "I'm glad
we've got her into the family, Red," said he. "It's a mighty rare thing
to find a beautiful woman who knows how to dress like a picture, with
that ideal at the back of her head! 'Cherish her, Red. If you don't I'll
come around and knock you down!"

"I'll let you do it," agreed Burns soberly. All his marriage vows were
in his face.

It was quite dusk when the Green Imp got away. Johnny Caruthers had the
satisfaction of lighting up the car's lamps--always a joy to him, and
particularly so to-night, for even the oil taillight bore witness to his
trimming and polishing till its red eye could gleam no brighter. As for
the front lamps and the searchlight the Imp's progress would be as down
an avenue of brilliance if its driver allowed them all full play upon
the road.

"She's in great trim, Johnny," said Burns's voice in his ear. "I like
her looks immensely. I shall hate to get a speck of mud on her."

"Meaning the lady, Doc?" asked Johnny anxiously. "There's a wet bit
there under the elms, Doc, remember. It would be a pity to splash any
mud on her!"

He glanced toward the porch, his freckled face eloquent of his
admiration for the figure which was the centre of the group gathered
there.

Burns's eyes followed his. Bob, a picturesque, small person in his
wedding attire of white linen, was attempting to tie Ellen's motor-veil
for her, as she stooped, smiling, to the level of his eager little arms.
It occurred to both master and man, as they watched the child's efforts
to adjust the floating chiffon, that veils, however useful, were to be
regretted when they were allowed even partially to obscure faces like
those of Red Pepper's wife.

"I meant the car, lad," explained Burns, laughing. "You've done a great
piece of work an her since I brought her home this afternoon. I'm afraid
you've done some las