CHAPTER IX.
THE HERMIT'S SHELL Sara paused with the sugar-tongs poised above the Queen Anne bowl.
"Sugar ?" she queried.
Trent regarded her seriously.
"One lump, please." She handed him his cup and poured out another for herself.

Then she said lightly: "I heard you order your car.

Is this quite a suitable afternoon for joy-riding ?" "More so than for walking," he retaliated.

"I'm going to drive you home." "At six o'clock ?" "At six o'clock." "And suppose I wish to leave before then ?" He cast an expressive glance towards the windows, where the rain could be heard beating relentlessly against the panes.
"It's quite up to you.

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