in the gardens a few minutes ago." And she made for the door,
confident that she had not spoken with apparent haste, embarrassment
or coldness.

"Won't you please tell him that Joe Close and Morton Washer and
Colonel Bouncer are coming out on the next train?" requested
Courtney. "You're sure to see him by and by, I know."

"With pleasure," lied Constance miserably, and hurried to finish her
escape. At the door, however, she suddenly turned and came back,
walking nonchalantly but hastily out through the windows upon the
side porch. A second later Paul Gresham and Billy Wobbles, the
latter walking with temperamental knees, passed through the hall.

Courtney looked after Constance in perplexity, but, a servant
entering, he gave orders for the furnishing of the loggia and went
up to make sure of the arrangements. He found Johnny Gamble in moody
solitude, studying with deep intensity the braiding of his sailor
straw hat.

"Hello, Johnny!" hailed Courtney cordially. "I was just asking Miss
Joy about you."

Johnny looked at him with reproachful eyes. Courtney was to blame
for his present gloom.

"Thanks," he returned. "What did she say?"

"Not much," replied Courtney, smiling slyly. "She didn't know where
you were, but she's looking for you."