what would befall if these two whom he had so grotesquely
misrepresented each to the other should come together in the pathway
of acquaintanceship.

But how to bring them together was a problem which refused to be
solved until chance pointed the way. Since the Limited had lost
another hour during the day there was a rush for the dining-car as
soon as the announcement of its taking-on had gone through the train.
Adams and Winton were of this rush, and so were the members of Mr.
Somerville Darrah's party. In the seating the party was separated, as
room at the crowded tables could be found; and Miss Virginia's fate
gave her the unoccupied seat at one of the duet tables, opposite a
young man with steadfast gray eyes and a firm jaw.

Winton was equal to the emergency, or thought he was. Adams was still
within call and he beckoned him, meaning to propose an exchange of
seats. But the Bostonian misunderstood wilfully.

"Most happy, I'm sure," he said, coming instantly to the rescue. "Miss
Carteret, my friend signals his dilemma. May I present him?"

Virginia smiled and gave the required permission in a word. But for
Winton self-possession fled shrieking.

"Ah--er--I hope you know Mr. Adams well enough to make allowances for
his--for his--" He broke down helplessly and she had to come to his
assistance.

"For his imagination?" she suggested. "I do, indeed; we are quite old
friends."