e coachman picked it up, and the three set off at full
speed down the path.

The ride back to "Heartsease" was a memorable one to at least two of the
occupants of the machine. But few remarks were exchanged. Each girl was
busy with her own thoughts. The circumstances that had brought them
together seemed too remarkable for mere words.

"'To the victors belong the spoils,'" called Grace as she hopped out of
the run-about before John could assist her, with Eleanor at her heels,
while the coachman followed more slowly, bearing the box.

The rain was still falling, but it was doubtful whether either girl was
sensible to the fact that her hair was heavy with dampness and her
clothing and shoes were wet.

"My dear, you had better allow Eleanor to provide you with dry clothing
and remain with her to-night," suggested Miss Nevin as they entered the
hall. Then ringing for the maid, she ordered hot chocolate.

"I wish you would stay with me, Grace," said Eleanor rather shyly. "I
have a great deal to say to you."

"And I to you, Eleanor," Grace responded.

For a moment they stood facing one another. What they saw seemed to
satisfy them. Their hands reached out simultaneously and met in a firm
clasp.

"Will you kiss me, Grace?" was what Eleanor said.

"With all my heart," was the answer. And with that kiss all resentment
and hard feeling died out forever.

"You are surely going to stay with me to-night," coaxed Eleanor. "We
will send word to your mother."

But with Eleanor's remark the remembrance of her promise to her mother
came back with a rush.

"Good gracious, Eleanor! I promised mother that I'd be home at nine
o'clock. What time is it now?"

"It's half past ten," replied Eleanor, consulting her watch.

"Poor Bridget," mourned Grace. "She will be sure to think that the
ghosts have spirited me away. I must go this minute, before search
parties are sent out for me. But I'll see you to-morrow Eleanor, for I
need your help."

Just then Miss Nevin, who had left the room, returned with a tray on
which were tiny sandwiches and a pot of chocolate.

"You must have some refreshment, Grace," she said. "Eleanor, do the
honors."

Grace was made to eat and drink, then, placing herself under John's
protection, she returned to Oakdale in Eleanor's run-about, stopping on
her way home at the house of Bridget's cousin, where she found the
faithful though irate Bridget awaiting her in a state of anxiety
bordering upon frenz