The strawberry festival and the "tempest" were, of course, the subjects most discussed at the breakfast table next morning.

Lute monopolized the conversation, a fact for which I was thankful, for it enabled me to dodge Dorinda's questions as to my own adventures.

I did not care to talk about the latter.

My feelings concerning them were curiously mixed.
Was I glad or sorry that Fate had chosen me to play once more the role of rescuer of a young female in distress?
That my playing of the role had altered my standing in Mabel Colton's mind I felt reasonably sure.
Her words at parting with me rang true.

She was grateful, and she had shaken hands with me.