the ground, went through the steps, her graceful feet and her
aching heart pitifully at variance.

They walked together over to the edge of the wood.

"I have business in Riverview to-morrow morning--would you like to
go? The ride over the mountain is very pretty now, and my errand
won't take more than five minutes."

She could feel the warm blood creep up her face. Her answer
hesitated. "I am sorry," came at last, "but I'm afraid I
cannot--to-morrow."

He gave a little rueful laugh. "I always choose the wrong time,"
he said.

"I am very sorry," she repeated truthfully.

"Nelson!" called Miss Puddicombe, as they drew near. "It is
horribly impolite; but I think I'll have to hurry you a little. I
want to see Grace about those tickets for the Charity Fair, and it
is getting late."

"I am at your disposal," he replied gallantly. And shortly they
were gone.

Polly walked home with Miss Sterling. David was devoting himself
to Patricia. Polly's gay mood had passed and left her quiet and
pensive. Only commonplaces were spoken--Miss Castlevaine was just
ahead, and her ears were sharp. Miss Sterling knew that as soon as