he was in a state of
physical collapse when he set her down at his uncle's summer home half
an hour later. Leaving her to explain the situation to the curious
friends, he set speed again for Tinkletown, inwardly cursing Anderson
Crow for a meddling old fool.

In the meantime Tinkletown was staring open-mouthed upon a new
sensation. The race between Anderson and Bonner was hardly under way
when down the main street of the town came a jaded team and surrey.
Behind the driver sat a pretty young woman with an eager expression on
her pale face, her gaze bent intently on the turn in the street which
hid Anderson Crow's home from view. Beside the young woman lounged
another of her sex, much older, and to all appearances, in a precarious
state of health. The young men along the street gasped in amazement and
then ventured to doff their timid hats to the young woman, very much as
if they were saluting a ghost. Few of them received a nod of recognition
from Elsie Banks, one-time queen of all their hearts.

Roscoe Crow bounded out to the gate when he saw who was in the carriage,
first shouting to his mother and sisters, who were indoors receiving
congratulations and condolences from their neighbours.

Miss Banks immediately inquired if she could see Rosalie.

"She ain't here," said Roscoe. "She's away fer a month--over at the
Bonners'. He's her feller, you know. Ma! Here's Miss Banks! Edner! Sue!"
Mrs. Crow and the girls flew out to the gate, babbling their surprise
and greetings.

"This is my mother," introduced the young lady. "We have just come from
New York, Mrs. Crow. We sail for England this week, and I must see
Rosalie before we go. How can we get to Mr. Bonner's place?"

"It's across the river, about twelve miles from here," said Mrs. Crow.
"Come in and rest yourselves. You don't have to go back to-day, do you?
Ain't you married yet?"

"No, Mrs. Crow," responded Elsie, with a stiff, perfunctory smile.
"Thank you, we cannot stop. It is necessary that we return to New York
to-night, but I must see Rosalie before going. You see, Mrs. Crow, I do
not expect to return to America. We are to live in London forever, I
fear. It may be the last chance I'll have to see Rosalie. I must go on
to Bonner Place to-day. But, dear me, I am so tired and hot, and it is
so far to drive," she cried ruefully. "Do you know the way, driver?" The
driver gruffly admitted that he did not. Roscoe eagerly bridged the
difficulty by offering to ac