IV.

As Walter was about to open the door to his private office the sound of girlish laughter floated over the open transom.

“It must be Diana,” he said. Opening the door he stepped into his office.

“Good morning, Andrews,” said his partner, “allow me.” He took Andrews’ arm and led him up to the sofa where the young lady of his dreams was seated.

Andrews bowed his acknowledgment of the introduction. He could not trust himself to speak. The room was swimming about him and he seemed to be enveloped in a hazy mist, out of which a woman’s voice was saying, “I made bold, Mr. Andrews, to come in and arrange your office; freshen it up a bit, you understand.”

Andrews pulled himself together and looked about him. The usual staid office was transformed into a flower garden. Flowers were banked upon each other in a way which bespoke a practised hand.

Roberts and his niece left Andrews’ office and went to the firm’s waiting rooms.

“What is the matter with your partner?” Diana asked, “he has such a far away look in his eyes and he seems to be miles away from the office.”

“Only lately, my dear, only lately. I believe you have had some thing to do with it.”

“I, Uncle?” Diana gasped in astonishment, “what do you mean? I never saw him before.”

“Until I showed him your photograph, Andrews was all that one could ask, but when he saw your picture, he dropped it as suddenly as if he were holding a hot coal, gave a shriek, and skipped out of the office. I had intended to ask him what made him act the way he did, but it passed my mind.”

“I am going to ask him myself.” And Diana started for Andrew’s office.

“Diana,” called her uncle. But that young lady kept on until she had reached Andrews’ room. She knocked twice and receiving no answer, opened the door and walked in. She found Andrews with his head down upon his arms on his desk. Gently touching him on the shoulder she said, “Mr. Andrews!”

Walter started up suddenly. “I beg pardon,” he stammered, “but I did not sleep at all well last night and now I was almost gone. Can I, and may I, be of any assistance to you?” His old manner had returned and he was now the Walter Andrews which his partner had known all his life.

Diana was astonished at the sudden transition which had taken place and it was her turn to be at a loss for something to say.

“Uncle said you had a yacht,” she finally began.

“Yes,” he replied, “will you be ready to go out with me this afternoon?”

“I should be delighted to go.”

They were silent for a moment, then Diana said, “Mr. Andrews, I heard that when you saw my picture you dropped it and gave a scream of terror. May I ask why?”

Andrews dropped back into the manner which Diana had first seen him. In a strained tone of voice he said, “Miss Langdon, someday, but not now, I hope to be able to tell you the reason for my astonishing behavior.”

“‘Some day, but not now,’” she quoted; “When will that be?”

“When I have known you better,” he said bluntly. “When may I call for you?”

“I have changed my mind; I am not going.”

“But you promised,” reminded Andrews.

“I do not care if I did,” she returned with some heat as she rose and left the room.

“‘She is beautiful, but is she good?’” Andrews unconsciously murmured. “Oh, confound it, will I never forget that dream?”