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RV 68 Carron was angry. Was this Rader's idea of fulfilling his hints? Was this his idea of a companion for hunting? Charming young women with arms reaching out of oblivion like the fabled Lady of the Lake were all very well, but time was slipping by and he must be about a man's business. Yet, what to do, when apparently he had all time on his hands, and the girl was offering him her time so graciously? It was Mrs. Rader who rescued him.

"Oh, Alex, I want Blanche to help me with the quilts this afternoon." She addressed her husband, and then apologized to Carron. "It happens that at this time of year we are most busy, getting the house in order before the rains set in. I hope you won't mind being left to yourself to-day?"

Carron assured her that his wish was not at all to disturb the routine of the place, and that perhaps some other day when Miss Rader had a little time to waste she would— On the whole he was relieved, though he could have wished that the girl had shown some feeling one way or another. But she did not even drop her alert mood to indifference. It was Rader who was disconcerted. He rose, gathering up his book, gave Carron a hasty glance, embarrassed, apologetic, as if he would say, "I have done my best," and murmuring something about not