had, I shouldn't have to go to The Maples this afternoon. Must I take
a trunk, mother?"

"Hilary! But what has Jane to do with your going?"

"Pretty nearly everything, I reckon. Must I, mother?"

"No, indeed, dear; and you are not to go at all, unless you can do it
willingly."

"Oh, I'm fairly resigned; don't press me too hard, Mother Shaw. I
think I'll go tell Paul now."

"Well," Pauline said, "I'm glad you've decided to go, Hilary. I--that
is, maybe it won't be for very long."




CHAPTER II

THE MAPLES

That afternoon Pauline drove Hilary out to the big, busy, pleasant
farm, called The Maples.

As they jogged slowly down the one principal street of the sleepy, old
town, Pauline tried to imagine that presently they would turn off down
the by-road, leading to the station. Through the still air came the
sound of the afternoon train, panting and puffing to be off with as