to do so is the only way to obtain complete personal freedom."

"That sounds like a paradox," said Stella.

"I have just been thinking," he went on, without noticing the
interruption, "it would be most agreeable to take a drive in my
automobile late this after-noon, when your guardians have returned
and are resting. If you feel you would care to come I will wait in
this hall from five to six. You need not take the least notice of
me, you can walk past, out of the hotel, then turn to the left,
and there in the square, where there are a few trees, you will see
a large blue motor waiting. You will get straight in, and I will
come and join you. Not anyone will see or notice you--because of
the trees, one cannot observe from the windows. My chauffeur will
be prepared, and I will return you safely to the same place in an
hour."

Stella's brown eyes grew larger and larger. Some magnetic spell
seemed to be dominating her, the idea was preposterous, and yet to
agree to it was the strongest temptation she had ever had in all
her life. She was filled with a wild longing to live, to do what
she pleased, to be free to enjoy this excitement before her wings
should be clipped, and her outlook all gray and humdrum.

"I do not know if they will rest--I cannot say--I--" she blurted
out tremblingly.

The stranger had put down the Times, and was gazing into her face
with a look almost of tenderness.