"Yes, dear; well, if you think--" She hesitated.

"Oh, we can manage it somehow," he said hopefully.

Constance looked at him out of the corner of her eyes.

"It will be useful for you to run over to Starden to see Helen--won't
it?"

"Yes, to see Helen. She's a good sort, one of the best, dear old Helen!
Isn't it ripping to have her near us again?"

"She could always have come to Buddesby if she had wanted to."

"Oh, there isn't much room there!"

"But always room enough for Helen, Johnny. You haven't told me what you
think of Joan Meredyth."

She watched him out of the corners of her eyes. He stared straight ahead
between the ears of the old horse.

"Joan Meredyth," he repeated, and she saw a deep flush come stealing
under the tan of his cheeks. "Oh, she's handsome, Con. She almost took
my breath away. I think she is the loveliest girl I ever saw."

"Yes, and do you--"

"And do I admire her? Yes, I do, but I could wish she was just a little