Dr. Fenneben's face was charming when he smiled.

"One other thing I may mention. You know my niece, Elinor? I've been out
here so long, I may need your help in making her feel at home at first."

There was a new light in Burgess's eyes at the mention of Elinor Wream's name.

"Oh, yes, I know Miss Elinor very well. I shall need her more to make me
feel at home than she will need me."

Somehow the answer was a trifle too quick and smooth to ring right.
Dr. Fenneben forgot it in an instant, however, for Elinor Wream
herself came suddenly into the room, a tall, slender girl,
with a face so full of sunshiny charm that no great defect
of character had yet made its mark there.

"I beg your pardon, Uncle Lloyd; I thought you were alone. How do you do,
Professor Burgess." She came forward smilingly and offered her hand.
"Makes me homesick for old Cambridge and Uncle Joshua when I see you.
I want to go down to Lagonda Ledge, and I don't know the streets at all.
Don't you want to show me the way?"

"Can't you wait for me to do that, Norrie? I have only one more engagement
for the afternoon, and Miss Saxon will be wanting to dust in here soon."
Dr. Fenneben looked fondly at his niece, a man to make other men jealous,
if occasion offered.

"Please don't, Miss Elinor," Vincent Burgess urged.
"I shall be delighted to explore darkest Kansas with you
at any time."