n we turned slowly and looked
at each other.

"This pathway of glorified maples ends in a cow," I said, solemnly. At
which we both shrieked with mirth, leaning on the decrepit fence and
mopping our eyes with our handkerchiefs.

"Did I not say you were sixteen?" taunted Von Gerhard. We were getting
surprisingly well acquainted.

"Such a scolding as we shall get! It will be quite dark before we are
home. Norah will be tearing her hair."

It was a true prophecy. As we stampeded up the steps the door was flung
open, disclosing a tragic figure.

"Such a steak!" wailed Norah, "and it has been done for hours and hours,
and now it looks like a piece of fried ear. Where have you two driveling
idiots been? And mushrooms too."

"She means that the ruined steak was further enhanced by mushrooms," I
explained in response to Von Gerhard's bewildered look. We marched into
the house, trying not to appear like sneak thieves. Max, pipe in mouth,
surveyed us blandly.

"Fine color you've got, Dawn," he remarked.

"There is such a thing as overdoing this health business," snapped
Norah, with a great deal of acidity for her. "I didn't tell you to make
them purple, you know."

Max turned to Von Gerhard. "Now what does she mean by that do you
suppose, eh Ernst?"

"Softly, brother, softly!" whispered Von Gerhard. "When women exchange
remarks that apparently are simple, and yet that you, a man, cannot
understand, then know there is a woman's war going on, and step softly,
and hold your peace. Aber ruhig!"

Calm was restored with the appearance of the steak, which was found
to have survived the period of waiting, and to be incredibly juicy and
tender. Presently we were all settled once more in the great beamed
living room, Sis at the piano, the two men smoking their after-dinner
cigars with that idiotic expression of contentment which always adorns
the masculine face on such occasions.

I looked at them--at those three who had done so much for my happiness
and well being, and something within me said: "Now! Speak now!" Norah
was playing very softly, so that the Spalpeens upstairs might not be
disturbed. I took a long breath and made the plunge.

"Norah, if you'll continue the slow music, I'll be much obliged. 'The
time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things.'"

"Don't be absurd," said Norah, over her shoulder, and went on playing.

"I never was more serious in my life, good folkses all. I've got to be.
This butterfl