last, was his theory: not because it was insoluble, but because
the solution might prove to be less interesting than the problem
itself. But side by side with her, she was irresistible. A
skittish brightness shone in her eyes.

"Great news!" she exclaimed. "I've persuaded Papa to take us all
down to Atlantic City for a couple of days."

"Wonderful!" cried Gissing. "Do you know, I've never been to the
seashore."

"Don't worry," she replied. "I won't let you see much of the
ocean. We'll go to the Traymore, and spend the whole time dancing
in the Submarine Grill."

"But I must be back in time for the service on Sunday," he said.

"We're going to leave first thing in the morning. We'll go in the
car, and I'll drive. Will you sit with me in the front seat?"

"Watch me!" replied Gissing gallantly.

"Come on then, or you'll be late for dinner. I'll race you home!"
And she was off like a flash.

But in spite of Miss Airedale's threat, at Atlantic City they
both fell into a kind of dreamy reverie. The wine-like tingle of
that salty air was a quiet drug. The apparently inexhaustible
sunshine was sharpened with a faint sting of coming autumn.
Gissing suddenly remembered that it was ages since he had simply