"But you can't stay here, Peg," went on McGuire, "not more than over night—with all these people. I'm very busy——"
"H-m. We'll see about that. I never saw the woods look prettier. We came by Lakewood and Brown's Mills and—Why who——?"
As she sidled into the room she suddenly espied Peter who was still standing by the window.
"Who——? Why—Oh, yes, this is my new superintendent and forester. Meet my daughter,—Mr. Nichols."
Peter bowed and expressed pleasure. Miss McGuire swept him with a quick glance that took in his flannel shirt, corduroy breeches and rough boots, nodded pertly and turned away.
Peter smiled. Like Beth Cameron this girl was very particular in choosing her acquaintances.
"I nearly killed a guy in the driveway," she went on, "who was he, Pop?"
"Er—one of the gardeners, I've told them to keep people off the place."
"Well. I'd like to see him keep me off! I suppose he'll be trying to hold up Mildred and Jack——"
She walked to the window passing close beside Peter, paying as little attention to his presence as if he had been, an article of furniture.