Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/156

Rh He took out a large red silk handkerchief and wiped Paul's eyes gently.

"Then you'll take luncheon with me?" he said presently. "Your—your friends won't mind?"

"Oh no, they won't miss me. I 'm out on the beach alone nearly all the time. Only, Uncle is very strict about not being late!"

"Very well, then," said the stranger. "We have not far to go, and directly after luncheon I'll drive you over to Beach House."

Much cheered by this information, Paul put his small brown hand into the black-gloved hand of his companion, and trustfully followed him, away from the beach, up a few hundred yards of shady lane, and past some cottages, till they came to a large iron gate. Beyond the gate was an avenue, overarched by splendid trees, and the gentleman led Paul up the avenue and into the porch of a large house, so