"Come in, Mrs. Howe. I'm afraid we've delayed you. I had entirely forgotten about breakfast and so, I'll be bound, had Currier. You met my right-hand man down stairs, I take it. By traveling all night, he made very good time."
"He must be tired after his trip!"
"Oh, Currier is used to traveling at all hours. Night or day are both alike to him," laughed Heath.
"You found the house without trouble?" Marcia inquired, making an effort to address the newcomer in a natural, off-hand manner.
"Yes, Mrs. Howe. A young man at the garage directed me to the beach and there I discovered a yellow dory which I appropriated. I don't know as I should have taken it, but as I needed a boat, I pressed it into service."
"The boat happens to be mine."
"Indeed. Then perhaps you will pardon my using it."
"Certainly. In fact, I am glad you did. It was left on the mainland by mistake."
As Marcia turned to go, her unfailing courtesy prompted her to add:
"Mr. Currier is welcome to stay if he wishes to, Mr. Heath. We can put him up perfectly well."