"
Camilla Van Arsdale's face was white and lifeless and still, as she
turned it toward the girl.
"You must have been a very precocious five-year-old," she said steadily.
"All the Olneys are precocious. My mother was an Olney, a first cousin
of Mrs. Willis Enderby, you know."
"Yes; I remember now."
The malicious smile on the girl's delicate lips faded. "I wish I, hadn't
said that," she cried impulsively. "I hate Cousin Mabel. I always have
hated her. She's a cat. And I think the way she, acted in--in
the--the--well, about Judge Enderby and--".
"Please!" Miss Van Arsdale's tone was peremptory. "Here is my place."
She indicated a clearing with a little nest of a camp in it.
"Shall I go back?" asked Io remorsefully.
"No."
Miss Van Arsdale dismounted and, after a moment's hesitancy, the other
followed her example. The hostess threw open the door and a beautiful,
white-ruffed collie rushed to her with barks of joy. She held out a hand
to her new guest.
"Be welcome," she said with a certain stately gravity, "for as long as
you will stay."
"It might be some time," answered Io shyly. "You're tempting me."
"When is your wedding?"
"Wedding! Oh, didn't I tell you? I'm not going to marry Carter Holmesley
either.
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