born dear, could go in another book. Then there was the pleasure
in her new bank account, with the sense of freedom it brought. She could
indulge herself in pretty things. She could buy little presents for
people she loved. Best of all, she laid aside an amount which she called
the "Homeseeker's Fund," to be used for that home which she and Jarvis
would establish some day. She had won her independence, and it
was sweet.

Mr. Strong was attending to the publication of the story in book form.
And it was to be on the Christmas stalls, appearing simultaneously with
the last chapters of the magazine. He was already begging her to promise
a new serial for the coming year.

It seemed incredible that so much could have happened to her in the ten
months that she had been married to Jarvis. Her threatened career, which
seemed such a joke to her family, was here; she was well launched upon
it, with the two scoffers still in ignorance of the fact. So she mused,
as she sat at her desk, the heap of completed last chapters piled before
her. Ardelia broke in upon her meditations.

"Mr. Strong in here!"

"Who?"

"Mr. Strong!"

"Mr. Strong! Why, he sent me no word. I didn't expect him!"

"I can't help that. He's here, settin' in the liberry."

"Dear me!" said Bambi. "Say I'll be down at once. Wait! Help me to get
into my gray gown before you go."

"You look all right de way you is."

"No, no. This man lives in New York, Ardelia. He's used to real
clothes."

"I wish he'd stay in New York."

"What's the matter with Mr. Strong? I thought you liked him!"

"He's gettin' too frequentious round here, to suit me."

"You silly thing, we have business to talk over. Hurry on, now, and say
I'll be down in a minute."

Ardelia lumbered out, disapproval in every inch of her back.

Richard Strong turned away from the log fire at the sound of Bambi's
footsteps running down the stairs. The soft gray gown clung to her, and
floated behind her, its ashen monotone making her face more vivid than
ever. Her cheeks were pink, and her eyes looked gray-green in the
shadowy room, with the deep, shining fire of opals. Both hands went out
to his impulsive greeting.

"Welcome!" she said, smiling.

"Aren't you surprised?"

"I'm pleased. Why should I be surprised?"

"It is so unheard of, for me to be running out of town on unexpected
visits to a lady, that it seems as if everybody must be as surprised
as I am."

"The lady was thinking of you