Aunt Josephine was only mildly interested, but that did not seem to worry Madame Larenz.
"I shall be glad to see you at three, Miss Dodge," she said as she got into her car again and drove off.
By that time, I had caught up with Elaine again. "Just one game," I urged.
"Please excuse me,—this time, Walter," she pleaded, laughing. "You don't know how sadly I'm in need of new frocks."
It was no use of further urging her. Tennis was out of her mind for good that day. Accordingly, I mounted to my room and there quickly donned my riding clothes.
When I came down, I found Aunt Josephine still on the veranda. In addition to my horse which I had telephoned for, Elaine's little runabout had been driven to the door. While I was talking to Aunt Josephine, Elaine came down-stairs and walked over to the car.
"May I go with you?" I pleaded.
"No, Walter," she replied laughing merrily. "You can't go. I want to try them on."
Properly squelched, I retreated. Elaine drove away and a moment later,
I mounted and cantered off leisurely.
Near Del Mar's bungalow might have been seen again the mysterious naturalist, walking along the road with a butterfly net in his hand and what appeared to be a leather specimen case, perhaps six inches long, under his other arm.