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critical faculty the moment he looks into a young and pretty face and meets a pair of sweet appealing eyes.”

“You’re basing that remark on an event that happened nearly forty years ago, I suppose.”

“Well, at least you’re admitting that I was pretty, and had sweet appealing eyes in those days.”

And after that they had both laughed, and Mrs. Ford had agreed to call and inspect Ann.

Now she went on aloud:

“Where are you living?”

Ann pointed to the door at the back of the show-room.

“I have a room there.”

“Come to us for the week-end, will you? We’re alone—my husband and I at present. My grand-daughter has been down from the country for the races, but she went home yesterday. And next week Rhoda—my daughter—is bringing her two youngest boys down to see the dentist. Come and spend tonight and tomorrow night with us, will you? If it isn’t too dull for you with two old people.”

“I’m not accustomed to anything very gay.”

“Oh, I heard that you made a great success at the races. One hears everything very quickly in Wairiri, you know. We haven’t anything else to do but to endeavor to secure servants and garden, and chat about our neighbors. Will you come?”

“I’d love to,” said Ann, conscious of a little lump in her throat.

“Very well, that’s settled, then. Do you keep the shop open on Saturday afternoon?”

“Yes. Thursday is early closing day.”

“Very well, I’ll call for you in the car about five-thirty. Will that be all right?”