of reportorial delicacy and proper self-respect. It had been his
intention to absent himself from the services at the grave, out of
consideration for the immediate family. It occurred to him now that it
was almost his duty to show himself there, in order not to avoid a
meeting. But the finer instinct prevailed. Why allow what was, after
all, nothing save ignorant disapproval to alter his arrangements? He
had just time to walk leisurely to the station without overheating
himself, and delay would oblige him to take a later train, as there
was no vehicle at his disposal.

Consequently, after his brief hesitation, he followed a high-road at
right angles to that taken by the funeral procession, and gave himself
up to the beguilement of his own thoughts. They were concerned with
the preparation of his special article, and he indulged in the
reflection that if it were read by the couple who had looked at him
askance they would be put to shame by its accuracy and good taste.

Before Harrington had finished three-quarters of the distance which
lay between the church and his destination, the carriages of those
returning from the cemetery began to pass him. When the dust raised by
their wheels had subsided he looked for an undisturbed landscape
during the remainder of his walk, and had just given rein again to
contemplation when a sound which revealed unmistakably the approach of
an automobile caused him to turn his head. A touring car of large
dimensions and occupied by two persons was approaching at a moderate
rate of speed, which the driver, who was obviously the owner, reduced
to a minimum as he ran alongside him.

"May I give you a lift?" asked a strong, friendly voice.