“It’s my own fault. I never sent the Chief word that I wouldn’t be in town to-day. Clean forgot it. I’ll send him a wire to say what time I’ll be back to-morrow. Then I must write one or two letters I won’t have another chance to write before I go off on Thursday. Anyhow, I’ll meet you at the inn at one. You’re lunching with us to-day, Chip. Well,” as he turned to leave them, “have a good walk. So long!”
They stood watching his thin, upright figure. That empty sleeve of his, tucked into the pocket of his coat, did not affect his easy, swinging walk. He ignored it himself so utterly that he made other people ignore it too. They waited until he looked back and waved at them, and then they started on their way.
“I almost believed him myself,” thought Judy, admiring the ease with which he had taken himself off.
“Your brother Noel,” said Chip, “is the best fellow I’ve ever known.”
Appreciation of Noel always touched Judy to the quick.
“You don’t know how that pleases me!” she cried. “I’m so glad you feel that. There’s no one like him.”
“You are like him,” said Chip quietly.
“I wish I were more like him.”
For a while they walked on without speaking.
“Chip,” said Judy at last, “I’m going to call you that. I have for a long time in my own mind and to Noel. Please treat me like an old friend and tell me about yourself and your plans. Don’t let’s be reserved with each other. There’s so much I want to know about you. I promise you there’s nothing I would hesitate to tell you about myself, and I wish you would feel that you could discuss anything with me.”