g like that," he admitted. "May I walk along with you,
Mrs. Rivers? Unless I go around the lake, I must turn back."

And so they walked on, Noreen darting here and there quite unlike her
staid little self, and they talked of many things--neither could have
told after just what they talked about. The conversation was like a
stream carrying them along to a definite point ordained for them to
reach, somewhere, some time, on beyond.

"How on earth could she manage to be what she is?" pondered Northrup.
"She's read and thought to some purpose."

"What does he mean by being here?" pondered Mary-Clare. "This isn't
just a happening."

But they chatted pleasantly while they pondered.

When they came near to the yellow house, Noreen, who was ahead, came
running back. All the joyousness had fled from her face. She looked
heavy-eyed and dull.

"She's tired," murmured Mary-Clare, but she knew that that was not
what ailed Noreen.

And then she looked toward her house. Larry stood in the doorway,
smoking and smiling.

"Will you come and meet my husband?" she asked of Northrup.

"I'll put off the pleasure, if you'll excuse me, Mrs. Rivers. I have
learned that one cannot tamper with Aunt Polly's raised biscuits. It's
late, but may I call to-morrow?" Northrup stood bareheaded while he
spoke.

Mary-Clare nodded. She was mutely thankful when he strode on ahead and
toward the lake.

It was while they were eating their evening meal that Larry remarked
casually:

"So that's the Northrup fellow, is it?" Mary-Clare flushed and had a
sensation of being lassoed by an invisible hand.

"Yes. He is staying at the inn--I sent Noreen there this morning while
I went over to the Point; he was bringing her home."

"He seemed to know that you weren't home."

"Children come in handy," Larry smiled pleasantly. "More potato,
Mary-Clare?"

"No." Then, almost defiantly: "Larry, Mr. Northrup asked his way to
the inn the day he was travelling through. I have never spoken to him
since, until to-day. When he found the house empty this afternoon, he
naturally----"

"Why the explanation?" Larry looked blank and again Mary-Clare
flushed.

"I felt one was needed."

"I can't see why. By the way, Mary-Clare, those squatters at the Point
are going to get a rough deal. Either they're going to pay regular, or
be kicked out. I tell you when Tim Maclin sets his jaw, there is going
to be something doing."

This was unfortunate, but Larry was ill a