The last thing Ross said to me was, 'Do tell Adelaide to keep her color down.' You know he admires the patrician style." Adelaide could not conceal the effect of the shot.

Her skin was a great trial to her, it burned so easily; and she hated wrapping herself in under broad brims and thick veils when the feeling of bareheadedness was so delightful.

"At any rate," said she sweetly, "it's easier to keep color down than to keep it up." Mrs.Whitney pretended not to hear.

She was now at the window which gave on the garden by way of a small balcony.

"There's your father!" she exclaimed; "let's go to him." There, indeed, was Hiram, pacing the walk along the end of the garden with a ponderousness in the movements of his big form that bespoke age and effort.