Beyond through the trees a river of swollen amber laughed in the morning sunlight under a cloudless sky.

The ridge of a distant woodland was deeply golden, the rolling meadow lands of clover beyond the river bright with iridescent dew.

But the storm had left its trail of broken rush and grasses and the heavy boughs of the woodland dripped forgotten rain.
A girl presently emerged from the trees by the river and swung lightly up the forest path, her scarlet sweater a vivid patch in the lesser life and color all about her.
[Illustration: Diane swung lightly up the forest path.] "Surely," she exclaimed, meeting Philip's glance with one of frank and very pleasant concern, "surely you must be very weak! Why not stay in bed and let Johnny bring your breakfast to you ?" "Lord, no!" protested Philip, reddening.

"I feel ever so much better than I look." "I'm glad of that," said Diane, smiling.

"You lost a lot of blood and bumped your head dreadfully on a jagged rock.