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 an walking in the distance. Any figure that at all resembled Andromeda’s he trembled to approach. Indeed, he was so closely watching a woman on the other side of the road that he failed to notice a carriage drawn up against the rails, or a pale, eager face which was watch- ing him intently.

“Mr. Vermont!”

He started at the sound of his own name; almost for the moment it seemed as though it could not be his. As he turned and looked into that eager face a curious, nervous glance shot from his eyes.

“Pauline!” he said as he approached the car- riage. She held out her hand in cordial greet- ing.

“You are surprised to see me?”

“Rather. What are you doing in town in the dog-days?”

“Duty.” He looked at her for further ex- planation. “You did not know, of course. You have not been near us for so long.” There was the suggestion of a reproach in this. “My aunt was too ill to leave town, and I am spending a week with her.”

“Always kind, Pauline.”