of his toy kingdom before and yet he's probing her interest with every
atom of skill he can command." Puzzled and annoyed he fell quiet.

"It is somewhat inaccessible--my country," Tregar was saying smoothly.
"One climbs the shaggy mountain by a winding road. You have climbed it
perhaps--touring?"

"Excellency, no!" regretted Diane. "I fear it is quite unknown to me."

"Ah!" exclaimed the patriotic Baron, "that is indeed unfortunate. For
it is well worth a visit." He turned to Philip. "You are pale and
quiet, Poynter," he added kindly. "A day or so more perhaps here where
it is quiet--"

Philip flushed hotly,

"Excellency!" he protested feebly.

The Baron bowed courteously to Diane.

"If I may crave still further hospitality and indulgence," he begged
regretfully. "There is already much excitement at the Sherrill place
owing to the officious act of my man, Themar, and his accident.
Another invalid--my secretary--one flounders in a dragnet of
unfortunate circumstances. And I am sensitive in the disturbance of my
host's guests--"

Diane's eyes as they rested upon Philip were very kind.

"Excellency," she said warmly, "Mr. Poynter's tent lies there among the