"You think I'm a fool,
don't you, Miss Camilla?"
"I think that Io Welland, without ill-intent at all, but with a period
of idleness on her hands, is a dangerous creature to have around. She's
too lovely and, I think, too restless a spirit."
"She's lovely, all right," assented Banneker.
"Well; I've warned you, Ban," returned his friend in slightly dispirited
tones.
"What do you want me to do? Keep away from your place? I'll do whatever
you say. But it's all nonsense."
"I dare say it is," sighed Miss Van Arsdale. "Forget that I've said it,
Ban. Meddling is a thankless business."
"You could never meddle as far as I'm concerned," said Banneker warmly.
"I'm a little worried," he added thoughtfully, "about not reporting her
as found to the company. What do you think?"
"Too official a question for me. You'll have to settle that for
yourself."
"How long does she intend to stay?"
"I don't know. But a girl of her breeding and habits would hardly settle
herself on a stranger for very long unless a point were made of urging
her."
"And you won't do that?"
"I certainly shall not!"
"No; I suppose not. You've been awfully good to her."
"Hospitality to the shipwrecked," smiled Miss Van Arsdale as she crossed
the track toward the village.
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