written promise. You see, I did not remember the two dates were the
same. When I wrote to Trenton----"

"Ed., don't try to excuse yourself. You had her letter in your pocket,
you know you had. This is a matter for which there is no excuse, and it
cannot be explained away."

"That's so, Jennie. I am down in the depths once more. I shall not try
to crawl out again--at least, not while my wife is looking."

"No, your plan will not work. I don't know that any will. There is only
one thing to try, and it is this--Miss Sommerton must think that the
canoe is hers. You must appeal to her generosity to let Mr. Trenton go
with her."

"Won't you make the appeal, Jen?"

"No, I will not. In the first place she'll be sorry for you, because you
will make such a bungle of it. Trial is your only hope."

"Oh, if success lies in bungling, I will succeed."

"Don't be too sure. I suppose that man will be here by daybreak
to-morrow?"

"Not so bad as that, Jennie. You always try to put the worst face on
things. He won't be here till sunrise at the earliest."

"I will ask Eva to come down."