“We had just decided you’d been kidnapped.”

“Nothing like that,” answered Theodore, “I’ve been in the country.... Sit down, Jordan; no use standing up!” And Theodore seated himself on the grass. 222

“It’s been a fine day,” he went on boyishly, scarcely knowing what to say.

“Lovely,” agreed Molly, and Jordan supplemented this by asking:

“Have a—pleasant ride?”

“Yes, delightful! One doesn’t realize how murky the city is until he goes in the country for a day.”

After a time, during which he looked up through the enfolding green of the trees, he proceeded calmly,

“I took Miss Grandoken on a picnic.”

Morse’s sudden glance at Molly warned her to control herself.

“She’s an odd child,” continued Theodore, “but, then, all geniuses are. I don’t know when I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed myself.”