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RV 149 Badroulboudour, where does the magic carpet take you now?" he asked. "The city of Bagdad, or the enchanted gardens?"

She looked inquiringly. "I wish I knew what you were talking about."

"It is all written in a book of Mr. Rader's called The Arabian Nights. The prince had a magic carpet that took him to various extraordinary enchantments, as this one at present is threatening to transport me." He spoke, a little ironical, of his own feeling.

She looked sidelong at the trees. This time he thought she understood. "I wish it would float me up to my own room, and when I am dressed, down again to the kitchen," she remarked. "I would like to sit here a few minutes longer and see if the magic will begin to work."

"Why not? It is early, only five o'clock."

"Yes, but to-night we have dinner early. It is whist night, and Bert Ferrier comes up in the evening to play."

That name helped to bring him back to his senses.

"O," he said. He stood stiffly, wondering whether these two were engaged.

She made a step by which she worked herself a few inches nearer to where he stood. "Promise me one thing," she asked, tipping her head over to look