This belief encouraged him to keep up his end of the conversation, ignoring Coolidge entirely, and devoting his attention exclusively to her.
The returning ride seemed very brief, and, almost before West realized it, the car whirled in through the Coolidge gate, and came to a stop at the door.

Coolidge by this time had recovered from his spell of ill-nature, or else chose to so appear, and the party separated pleasantly.

Natalie disappeared somewhere within, while the two men strolled out to the tennis court where the guests were enjoying a spirited game.

All met again at lunch, and then separated, some to motor over to the lake, the others amusing themselves as they saw fit.

Both Coolidge and Natalie vanished, while West, finding himself alone, chose a book from the library, and, solaced by a cigar, sought a shady nook on the porch.
The book, however, was but a mark for his thoughts, which continually revolved about the strange surroundings in which he found himself.