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154 “It’s true. Why, it’s just like an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ experience, coming into something I have known in some other state of consciousness.”

“Oh, yes, it’s true. That’s all I am, a sort of a camera.”

“What a picture-book house!” he added. “It’s just right for you.”

As they went into the screened porch Jarvis arose, slowly, from the hammock. Mr. Strong stopped, really amazed, as the splendid figure, with its Apollo head, advanced. Bambi, too, was struck with some new alive quality in Jarvis that was compelling.

“This is Mr. Strong, Jarvis.” The two men measured each other swiftly.

“I am glad to meet you,” said Jarvis, with determined politeness.

“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet Mrs. Jocelyn’s husband.”

Bambi laughed.

“Mrs. Jocelyn’s husband is a new rôle for Jarvis,” said she.

“I understand you and Mrs. Jocelyn are old friends,” said Jarvis, perfunctorily.

“We are indeed old and dear friends.”

“It has been some years since you met?”