Flower of the Gorse. Tracy Louis

      Tollemache's voice executed a crescendo of dismay; but Ingersoll only laughed, and, for the first time since that disastrous reef was left behind, his manner reverted to its normal air of good-humored cynicism.

      "Why select two words from a sentence and invest them with a significance they don't possess? I put in a saving clause. A week, or even two, can hardly be twisted into a lifetime."

      "Does Yvonne know?"

      "No. I have decided on the journey only within the last ten minutes. We're taking a little trip to Paris solely to avoid the gush and sentiment that will flow in Pont Aven during the next few days like a river in flood. Moreover, Lorry, if you're wise, you'll come with us."

      Tollemache little realized how truly spontaneous was his friend's invitation. "D'ye mean that, Ingersoll?" he said elatedly.

      "Why not? Don't let any question of expense stop you. This outing will be my Christmas treat."

      "Expense! Dash it all! I've money to burn. Er – that is – enough, at any rate, to afford a jaunt to Paris. When do we start?"

      "Soon after seven o'clock."

      "By jing! Sharp work."

      "If we really intend to escape, why stand on the order of our going?"

      "I'm not saying a word. You rather took my breath away at first, you know."

      "You should allow for the kinks in the artistic temperament, Lorry. Enthusiasm is too often the herald of despair."

      "What sort of job do you really recommend me to take up, Socrates?"

      Ingersoll smiled. "I am not in the habit of dealing my friends such shrewd blows," he said. "I was talking of myself – and Yvonne. Make no mistake about her. She has a sane mind in a sound body; but the artist's nature will triumph some day, and she will surprise all of us. By the way – nothing of this project to her till I have explained it. We shall see you at Mère Pitou's, of course?"

      "I've promised to shake a leg with Madame herself in a gavotte. You don't suppose that Carmac's death will interfere with the feast?"