Armitage was not obliged to wait, however. A tall, well-built young woman, heavily veiled, came down the winding path as he shut off power. When he leaned around to open the door of the tonneau, she threw back her veil and he caught sight of a full, dark, handsome face and eyes filled with a curious light. He slammed the door and turned quickly to the wheel.
"What is your name, my man?" The deep alto voice contained a note of mirth.
"McCall," replied Armitage gruffly, jerking his head a bit side-wise and then jerking it quickly back again.
"You are—not a very good driver," came the voice. "But I should like to employ you.… Would you consider leaving Miss Wellington?"
Armitage shook his head grouchily.
"For a consideration? Come, I won't use you as a chauffeur. I want you for a statue in my Japanese garden. I—"
Armitage suddenly pointed the car toward the ocean and stopped. Then he turned in his seat.
"Look here, Sara," he said, "if you don't let up, I 'll run you into the ocean."
Mrs. Van Valkenberg was rocking with laughter.
"Oh, Jack! Jack!" she cried. "This is too rich. What on earth are you up to?"