Up to this time Miss Campbell had kept out of the discussion. The truth
is, she yearned to relieve the tedium of life by taking a trip in the red
motor car.

"Couldn't you get away and go with us?"

"Impossible this afternoon, because I have an appointment to meet some
very distinguished persons to discuss various plans. One can hardly be
polite enough as it is in this good-mannered country, and it would never
do to break an engagement. In another week or so I shall be free to take
the ladies on excursions."

"What is it all about, Papa?" asked Billie.

"Oh, government improvements, child. Things that are too important to be
talked about." He pinched her cheek. "Well, beautiful American ladies, if
you take Komatsu with you as interpreter and protector, guide and friend,
I think you might be trusted to make a little cherry-blossom excursion in
the 'Comet.' Only don't go too far or too fast and on your life don't run
over anything, even a chicken, or there'll be trouble for all concerned."

So it was settled, and after breakfast Billie rushed to the mysterious
back premises of the place on the other side of the house, where various
hitherto unsuspected industries seemed to be in progress. There was a
kitchen garden hidden by a hedge of althea bushes, a chicken yard, and
in a most picturesque building, used by the Spears for a carriage house,
the "Comet." So far they had been unable to find a chauffeur, and Mr.
Campbell himself had gone over all the machinery and put it in order.
Billie cranked up, and, jumping into her old accustomed place, guided the
motor car into the open. Komatsu came at a run from around the side of