"That's abnormal in Florida. But if you really don't feel sleepy--if you
really don't--we'll get the _Gracilis_--our fastest motor-boat--and run
down to the Beach Club and get father. Shall we--just you and I?"

"And the engineer?"

"I'll run the _Gracilis_ if you will steer," she said quietly.

"I'll do whichever you wish, Calypso, steer or run things."

She looked up with that quick smile which seemed to transfigure her into
something a little more than mortal.

"Why in the world have I ever been afraid of you?" she said. "Will you
come? I think our galley is in commission.... Once I told you that
Calypso was a land-nymph. But--time changes us all, you know--and as
nobody reads the classics any longer nobody will perceive the
anachronism."

"Except ourselves."

"Except ourselves, Ulysses; and we'll forgive each other." She took a
step out from the shadow of the oaks' foliage into the white sunlight
and turned, looking back at him.

And he followed, as did his heroic namesake in the golden noon of the
age of fable.

As they came in sight of the sea he halted.

"That's curious!" he exclaimed; "there is the _Ariani_ again!"

"The yacht you came on?"

"Yes. I wonder if there's been an accident. She cleared for Miami last
night."

They stood looking at the white steamer for a moment.

"I hope everything's all right with the _Ariani_" he murmured; then
turned to the girl beside him.

"By the way I have a message for you from a man on board; I forgot to
deliver it."

"A message for _me_?"

"From a very ornamental young man who desired to be particularly
remembered to Shiela Cardross until he could pay his respects in person.
Can you guess?"

For a moment she looked at him with a tremor of curiosity and amusement
edging her lips.

"Louis Malcourt," he said, smiling; and turned again to the sea.

A sudden, still, inward fright seized her; the curious soundless crash
of her own senses followed--as though all within had given way.

She had known many, many such moments; one was upon her now, the
clutching terror of it seeming to stiffen the very soul within her.

"I hope all's well with the _Ariani_" he repeated under his breath,
staring at the sea.

Miss Cardross said nothing.

CHAPTER VII

A CHANGE OF BASE

February, the gayest winter month on the East Coast, found the winter
resorts already overcrowded. Relays and consignments of fashion arrived
and departed on every train; the pe