il, and he, himself, followed Saturday morning.

Bambi met him, as on the other occasion, and at sight of his cordial
smile she suddenly felt as if he were an old friend.

"I am so glad to see you!" she exclaimed in her impulsive way.

Mr. Strong shook her hand vigorously.

"It's mutual, I may say," and he fell into step. "Bless this old town,
it's like----"

"A soporific," she supplied, and joined his laugh.

"How's the Professor? And my old friend Jarvis?"

"The Professor is in a quiver of expectation to talk sisters with you."

"Good! I am ready for him. And Jarvis?"

"Jarvis was the 'other things' I asked you here to talk about."

"I see."

"He's in New York."

"He is? Why didn't he look me up?"

"He doesn't like you."

"He took us seriously the other day?"

"He did."

"Jealous, is he? That isn't why he is in New York?"

"Oh, no! He went to sell a play."

"Belasco refused it?"

"Yes, and two others. The Parkes have it now. They are going to take
it."

"That's good."

"Jarvis may have to stay in the city for some time. He doesn't know any
one. He hates cities. I suspect he is economizing too much to be
comfortable. I thought maybe you would look him up--keep an eye on him."

"I should be delighted to, if you think he doesn't dislike me too much."

"Oh, no, he was annoyed that day we flirted so outrageously, but I know
he would be glad to see you."

"I had a wonderful time that day, myself."

"It was fun. Everybody was so at cross purposes."

"Do I continue the role of old beau?"

"Oh, no. You've established yourself with father, so there's no use in
playing up."

"Old beau exit with regret," he sighed.

"You're a nice man, and I'm glad of you."

"Thanks. Give me Jocelyn's address before you forget it. Ah, there's the
Professor now," he added, as he pocketed the card and hastened into
the garden.

The rest of the two days they spent in easy companionship. They played
tennis, they drove through the woods in an old surrey, Bambi as whip.
Then, when the Professor's early bedtime removed him to the second
story, they sat on the moonlit piazza and talked.

The novel had grown into ten chapters. Three instalments had been
published, and the public was showing a most flattering interest in it.
Strong brought a box of letters for her to read from enthusiastic
readers.

"It's extraordinary how real you make your characters when you are such
a novice," he said to her.

"I tell you