"Surely not!" exclaimed MacBirney.
Kimberly smiled. "But you will, just the same. At least, that is my experience."
"What about the winter, Mr. Kimberly--are you going in town?"
"I haven't decided."
But although Kimberly had made no decision he had made vague promises to every one. With Charles he talked about putting his own yacht into commission, taking Larrie from the refineries for a breathing spell and meeting Charlie's party in February at Taormina. He discussed with Dolly a shorter vacation, one of taking passage to Cherbourg, motoring with Arthur and herself across France and meeting Charles at Nice, whence all could come home together.
The Nelsons left the lake last. Lottie gave Kimberly a parting thrust as she said good-by, delivering it in such a way that she hoped to upset him. "So you are in love with Alice MacBirney?" she said smilingly.
Kimberly looked frankly into her clear, sensuous eyes. "What put that into your head, Lottie?"
She laughed unsympathetically. "I'm glad you've got some one this time that will make you do the walking--not one like the rest of us poor creatures."
"Why do you talk about 'this time,' and 'us poor creatures'? Let me tell you something."
"Do, so I can tell it to Alice."