ttle countryside. It just sort of tacks itself on as part of
you."

"It is always that way with me anyway," said Eileen. "As for Phil, he
hasn't been here long enough to feel the same."

"Maybe Phil will be having a little picture of Victoria in his mind's
eye!" was Jim's caustic comment, to which he received no answer.

"Well!--aren't you going to see the lady home?" he continued,
addressing Phil.

"I guess one of us should," answered Phil with alacrity.

"Off you go then! Hitch your own nag on behind, Phil. By the time you
get back I'll have the dishes washed up and everything looking
lovely."

Eileen went up to the big fellow and patted his cheek.

"You're just a dear old grouchy grandpa."

"And my age is exactly twenty-eight," he grinned.

Eileen jumped and threw her arms round his broad shoulders. She pinned
him in a flying hug, then jumped back again.

Jim pulled out his pipe and struck a match in studied indifference,
but there was an expression in his deep, brown eyes that spoke of an
inward merriment and pleasure.

And as Eileen and Phil drove off for town, Jim--with one long, slender
leg crossed over the other--leaned lazily against the door-post,
smoking dreamily and waving his hand.

"I guess Jim has never had a real sweetheart," said Eileen.

"It doesn't seem very like it," answered Phil.

"And yet, as you can see, he really is a lady's man from the sole of
his big foot to his bronze hair."

"Then, either he has had a sweetheart and the course didn't run
smoothly, or he has still to encounter the real Princess Charming. I
have waited quite a long time for mine, you know, Eileen."

The young lady blushed and looked away.

"And do you think you have really found her at last?" she asked.

"Do I think I have! Ah, Eileen!--_you_ would ask me that after our
little----"

"Now, Phil,--you mustn't say a word about that, or I'll cancel the
next. You caught me at a weak moment and, just like a man, you took
fullest advantage," she smiled.

Phil pulled the horse to a stop and stared blankly at Eileen.

"But--but you meant it, Eileen? We really _are_ sweethearts now?" he
asked seriously.

"Why, of course,--you great big boy!" she laughed, "but you don't have
to stop the horse over it. We are on the public highway, too."

"And some day----?" he continued, starting up the horse again.

"Maybe,--if you don't hurry me. You won't hurry me, Phil? Will
you--dear? For I am terribly happy, and I--I