soft breeze, fell around her face in a cascade of golden loveliness. Her
eyes sparkled. She was the picture of glorious health and youth--a woman
born for love and loving. She brought fragrance into the room.

"Hello, Gil!" she said, beating her riding-crop on her boot, and smiling
that entrancing smile of hers. She was glad to see her handsome host again
after her brisk ride.

"Good morning, Lucia," Gilbert said, hardly daring to look at her.

Uncle Henry didn't mean to be overlooked. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Pell," he
said, meaningly.

"Why, it _is_ afternoon, isn't it?" she laughed.

"It's darn near night," Uncle Henry rasped.

"And I'm simply famished. Who wouldn't be, after such a glorious ride!"
Lucia said.

"The cook's getting dinner now. Have a good canter, you say?" young Jones
inquired.

"I missed you," Lucia answered, unashamed.

Uncle Henry looked disgusted.

"I'm sorry, I had a lot of things to attend to. I'm glad you're back, for I
was beginning to be worried about you, Lucia. Bandits! They're around
again."