"I do not blame you," he returned, with that self-mocking smile, as though he were laughing at himself. "I told you I could always be depended upon to make a fool of myself. You see I am doing it now. I don't mind telling you this much—that I am here for the same reason that you went to visit Mrs. Baldwin this afternoon."
"For the good of your soul?" she asked gently.
"Exactly," he returned gravely. "For the good of my soul."
"Well, then, Mr. Honorable Patches, here's to your soul's good health!" she cried brightly, checking her horse and holding out her hand. "We part here. You can see the Cross-Triangle buildings yonder. I go this way."
He looked his pleasure, as he clasped her hand in hearty understanding of the friendship offered.
"Thank you, Miss Reid. I still maintain that the Dean's judgment is unquestionable."
She was not at all displeased with his reply.
"By the way," she said, as if to prove her friendship. "I suppose you know what to expect from Uncle Will and the boys when they learn of your little adventure?"
"I do," he answered, as if resigned to anything.
"And do you enjoy making fun for them?"