“It’s true. A friend of mine came here one day and turned everything topsy-turvy.”

“I’m not asking questions just for curiosity. But is that the reason you didn’t want me to stay?”

He laughed, thinking of Miss Van Arsdale. “Heavens, no! Wait till you meet her. She’s a very wonderful person; but—”

“Meet her? Does she live near here, then?”

“A few miles away.”

“Suppose she should come and find me here?”

“It’s what I’ve been wishing.”

“Is it! Well, it isn’t what I wish at all.”

“In fact,” continued the imperturbable Banneker, “I rather planned to ride over to her place this afternoon.”

“Why, if you please?”