He looks splendidly fit." The novelist, watching the woman whose eyes, as she spoke, were upon the artist, answered, "You are pleased to flatter me, Mrs.Taine." She turned to him, with a knowing smile.

"Perhaps I _am_ giving you more credit than is due.

I understand Mr.King has not been in your care altogether.

Shame on you, Mr.Lagrange! for a man of your age and experience to permit your charge to roam all over the country, alone and unprotected, with a picturesque mountain girl!--and that, after your warning to poor me!" Conrad Lagrange smiled grimly.

"I confess I thought of you in that connection several times." She eyed him doubtfully.