before her return."

He considered. "Your real object, of course, was to gain
time."

"Yes--but for whom? Why not for YOU?"

"For me?" He flushed up quickly. "You don't mean----?"

She laid her hand on his arm and looked gravely into his
handsome eyes.

"I mean that when your grandmother gets back from Ouchy I
shall speak to her----"
"You'll speak to her...?"

"Yes; if only you'll promise to give me time----"

"Time for her to send for Adelaide Painter?"

"Oh, she'll undoubtedly send for Adelaide Painter!"

The allusion touched a spring of mirth in both their minds,
and they exchanged a laughing look.

"Only you must promise not to rush things. You must give me
time to prepare Adelaide too," Mrs. Leath went on.

"Prepare her too?" He drew away for a better look at her.
"Prepare her for what?"