ould very likely forget all about you."

"I'm not afraid of that," said Joan, with a slight smile. "I mean--I
mean--what business has Captain Trimblett to concern himself about my
affairs?"

"I know what you mean," said Hartley, in a low voice.

He got up, and crossing to the window stood looking out on his beloved
garden. His thoughts went back to the time, over twenty years ago,
when he and his young wife had planted it. He remembered that in those
far-off days she had looked forward with confidence to the time when
he would be offered a share in the firm. For a moment he felt almost
glad----

"I suppose that Captain Trimblett is right," said Joan, who had been
watching him closely; "and I'll go when you like."

Her father came from the window. "Yes," he said, and stood looking at
her.

"I am going out a little way," said Joan, suddenly.

Hartley started, and glanced instinctively at the clock. "Yes," he said
again.

His daughter went upstairs to dress, and did her best to work up a
little resentment against being turned out of her home to avoid a caller
whom she told herself repeatedly she had no wish to see. Her reflections
were cut short by remembering that time was passing, and that Mr.
Vyner's punctuality, in the matter of these calls, was of a nature to
which the office was a stranger.

She put on her hat and, running downstairs, opened the door and went
out. At the gate she paused, and, glancing right and left, saw Robert
Vyner approaching. He bowed and quickened his pace.

"Father is indoors," she said with a friendly smile, as she shook hands.

"It's a sin to be indoors an evening like this," said Robert, readily.
"Are you going for a walk?"

"A little way; I am going to see a friend," said Joan. "Good-by."

"Good-by," said Mr. Vyner, and turned in at the gate, while Joan, a
little surprised at his docility, proceeded on her way. She walked
slowly, trying, in the interests of truth, to think of some acquaintance
to call upon. Then she heard footsteps behind, gradually gaining upon
her.

[Illustration: Think I'm the most forgetful man in Salthaven 172]

"I really think I'm the most forgetful man in Salt-haven," said Mr.
Robert Vyner, in tones of grave annoyance, as he ranged alongside. "I
came all this way to show your father a book on dahlias, and now I find
I've left it at the office. What's a good thing for a bad memory?"

"Punish yourself by running all the way, I should think," replied