Page:Daskam--The imp and the angel.djvu/175

The Imp Disposes tackle with the other, "of this elegant rod and all its appurtenances. It seems to have caught your fancy, and if you will keep it intact for a few years, I assure you that your evident appreciation of its qualities will not diminish. For it is an excellent rod."

He handed it over with an unmistakable gesture, and the Imp, doubting the evidence of his senses, took it in silence.

They stepped out of the wood. Miss Eleanor's back was turned to them and only as they reached her did she lift her head.

"Oh, Elmer!" she cried softly, "how—where—"

The Imp dashed ahead and squatted down beside her.

"See what he gave me! I got lost and I was at a Benedick Inn, and you've been here all the time!"

"Eleanor," said the man, standing tall behind the Imp, "I was utterly and entirely wrong and unreasonable. I beg your pardon. An angel would have been out of temper with me."

"Oh, no!" said Miss Eleanor, softly, "no, indeed. Because I was. And I'm not an angel. 147