"Will you believe me when I tell you that I am more than sorry I shall not be able to come to you to-day? I was caught in an annoying but superficial motor smash-up last night and the broken windshield has made a bizarre spectacle of me, but I shall be my normal self again in a few days. My sister, Mrs. Beekman, will call to-morrow and I shall present my apologies in person at the earliest possible moment, if I may.
"Very sincerely and regretfully,
"KEARN THODE."
Willa mused so long that Welsh finally asked, with a deferential cough:
"Any answer, Miss? The messenger is waiting to know."
"No.—Yes! Just a moment!"
She seated herself at the desk and wrote rapidly:
"My Dear Mr. Thode;
"I am deeply sorry to learn of your motor accident. Knights-errant rode on chargers in the old days, I believe, but the spirit remains the same, doesn't it? I scorned it once to my shame, but it is a spirit for which I am now profoundly grateful. Come to me when you can; I shall be at home.
"Hasta la vista,
"WILLA MURDAUGH."
"Well, for the love of Pete!" Vernon exploded, when the butler had withdrawn. "You're blushing like a June rose! Willa, are you holding out on us? Have you a steady you are keeping company with, unbeknownst?"