to her.


Part 2

Though Valencia Van Tyle had not made up her mind to get married,
James hit the mark when he guessed that she was interesting
herself in the accessories that would go with such an event. The
position she took in the matter was characteristic. She had gone
the length of taking expert counsel with her New York modiste
concerning gowns for the occasion, without having at all decided
that she would exchange her present independence for another
venture into stormy matrimonial seas.

"Perhaps I shatn't have to make up my mind at all," she found
amusement in chuckling to herself. "What a saving of trouble it
would be if he would abduct me in his car. I could always blame
him then if it did not turn out well."

Something of this she expressed to James the evening of the day of
the accident, watching him through half-shuttered eyes to see how
he would take her first concession that she was considering him.

He took without external disturbance her gay, embarrassed
suggestion, the manner of which might mean either shyness or the
highest expression of her art.

"I'd kidnap you fast enough except that I don't want to rob you of
the fun of getting ready. How long will it take you? Would my
birthday be too soon? It's on the fourth of June."