"Your motoring friend. Why are you glad your father is out?"
"Because I think he sees enough of you in the daytime. Too much. Father's very tired. Can't you see it? I'm going to run away with him on Saturday."
"So I hear.—I'm somewhat seedy myself. I think I'll accept your urgent invitation to sit down until he comes."
"He isn't coming. He'll be out all the evening."
"I'm talking about your beau." There was an empty, nerveless quality to the visitor's voice which began to impress his companion.
"Let's set a spell, as they say in Maine," he added. "I've been thinking about Maine to-day."
Linda followed his lead into a reception room, where they sat down.
"A pretty good place to think about, when Lake Michigan sizzles," she replied; "but I've chosen Colorado. We're going to Estes Park."
"Yes, so Mr. Barry told me. I should like to go there too." King's tone was wistful.
"Perish the thought!" returned Linda devoutly. "I wouldn't have you within a thousand miles of father."