need exercise. If I don't walk a great deal I--"

"I'd much rather walk. I love to walk." I must know why she was
meeting Tom without her mother's knowledge. "I'll send the car home
and we'll walk together. It isn't often I have an afternoon without
something that must be done in it. I'll wait here while you get your
hat and coat."

Into the girl's face came flush that spread slowly to the temples,
and uncertainly she looked at me. Steadily my eyes held hers and
after half a moment she turned and went out of the room. Coming
back, she followed me into the hall and to the elevator, but, eyes on
the gloves she was fastening, she said nothing until we reached the
street. On the corner opposite us Tom Cressy was standing in the
doorway of a cigar-shop, and as he saw the car dismissed, saw us
cross the street and come toward him, into his honest, if not
handsome, face came puzzled incredulity. Not until in front of him
did I give evidence of seeing him; then I stopped.

"Why, Tom Cressy!" I held out my hand and, as he took it, I noticed
the one holding his hat was not entirely steady. "It's ages since
I've seen you, Tom. You know Miss Swink, I believe." I pretended not
to see their formal and somewhat frightened bow. "We're going to
walk. Can't you go with us? Come on. We're going to the park."

Slipping my arm through Madeleine's, I caught step, and on the other
side of her Tom did likewise, hands in his pockets, and into both
faces came glow that illuminated them and enlightened me. At the end
of our walk I would know pretty well what I wanted to know.