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262 changed his mind, or Jarvis had refused. She had known all along that it was too good to be true. She tossed all night, sleepless, her mind running around like a squirrel in a trap, planning another trip to see the manager.

The early morning found her pacing the paths of the frostbitten garden, where the Professor found her later.

“Why, good morning, Bambi mia,” said he, in surprise.

“Good day, Herr Vater!”

“What brings you forth so early, lady-bird?”

“My hateful thoughts! Oh, daddy, there’s a crick in the secret.”

“A crick? Dear me, what a pity!”

“If it doesn’t get itself straightened out to-day, I shall go to New York again, to see what I can do.”

“The companionship of a secret is often corruptive to good habits, such as sleep and appetite. Better tell me this mystery.”

“If it isn’t settled to-day, I will tell you.”

“Very good.”

“These late asters are hardy things?”

“Yes. The rest of the poor beds are full of ghosts.”

“Ghosts always stalk, don’t they?”