“We’ve been in a fairy tale,” said Barnabas, as he reached him, “where clocks and watches are not admitted, and where turbaned Indians bring red, white, and green drinks in cut-glass decanters, which when mixed together is drink fit for the gods. Now let me help you to harness Pegasus. And if you’ll leave off staring I’ll tell you about it, only Pippa knows you won’t believe it.”
Miss Mason, in her studio in London, received a registered packet from Barnabas. She opened it, and found inside a letter and a curious signet ring.
“We are on our way home,” wrote Barnabas. “Cupid has triumphed and is holding the reins of Pegasus. Pippa, Dan, and I are taking back seats. Kisses and moonlight—there’s a full moon—predominate, and I saw Aurora hugging a rosy-cheeked baby in a cottage garden. High Art gave one groan and expired. She has never, never moved again. The call of wedding bells is bringing us back to London. You may expect us on Friday. I am enclosing a ring which was dropped from a passing motor-car. Fortunately I saw the number. It was a London car. I am advertising for the owner of the ring in various London papers, and have given your studio as the address to which to apply, though I gave my own name. Therefore I send you the ring. You will, of course, take the name and address of the claimant. Dan and I will be glad to be home again. Though Nature in her present sunny mood is extraordinarily entrancing, there is a good deal to be said in favour of spring mattresses....”
Miss Mason looked at the ring, turning it curiously in her hand. Then she put it away in a little carved box which she locked.
CHAPTER XXIII
ANDREW MCANDREW
“I FEEL,” said Barnabas, “that some one ought to pat me on the back. I set out to do something, and I did it. It is a pleasant sensation.”
“Unaccustomed?” asked Miss Mason, with mock sarcasm.
They were both in her studio the day following the return of the donkey-party. They were awaiting the appearance of Andrew McAndrew, to whom Barnabas had written to come to the studio at four o’clock. Pippa had been taken by Jasper to call upon his wife.