That day had been one of those surprises of life which ever dwell with one.

Jerome in it had discovered not only a new self, but new ways.

He had struck paths at right angles to all he had followed before.

They might finally verge into the old again, but for that day he saw strange prospects.

Not the least strange of them was this tea-drinking with the Squire and the Squire's sister and the Squire's daughter in the arbor.