interludes with interest, indicated his condition to Clover with another
telegraphic wink. She glanced across, relented, and made Clarence a little
signal to come and sit by her.

After that all went happily. Clover was honestly delighted to see her two
friends again. And now that Clarence had recovered from his ill-temper,
there was nothing to mar their enjoyment. Geoff's horse had cast a shoe on
the way down, it seemed, and must be taken to the blacksmith's, so they
did not stay very long; but it was arranged that they should come back to
dinner at Mrs. Marsh's.

"What a raving belle you are!" remarked Marian Chase, as the young men
rode away. "Three is a good many at a time, though, isn't it?"

"Three what?"

"Three--hem! leaves--to one Clover!"

"It's the usual allowance, I believe. If there were four, now--"

"Oh, I dare say there will be. They seem to collect round you like wasps
round honey. It's some natural law, I presume,--gravitation or levitation,
which is it?"

"I'm sure I don't know, and don't try to tease me, Poppy. People out here
are so kind that it's enough to spoil anybody."

"Kind, forsooth! Do you consider it all pure kindness? Really, for such a
belle, you're very innocent."