Are there any things in your car you want to take along, in case you find a place to stay, Miss Sheridan?”

“Oh yes, my little overnight bag. It’s in the back of the car. The small key in the case fits it.”

Pilgrim unlocked the compartment and brought out the bag.

“Now,” he said to the garage man, “Mark, how about that generator? You said Chester couldn’t get one in Granby. Have you telephoned the city about it yet?”

“Sure thing,” said Mark importantly. “Yes, they have it, and they’re putting it on the five ten train for me. If all goes well, you’ll have your car the first thing in the morning, lady, or at least before noon, unless something more turns up. But I’ve looked the car all over, and I don’t see anything else the matter.”

“Well, that will be all right, I guess, but I’ll have to telephone again, I’m afraid, Mr. Pilgrim.” She turned apologetically to Phil. “I had an engagement this evening that I forgot all about, and I’ll have to call it off. I won’t be a minute, if you don’t mind waiting.”

Phil Pilgrim stood just outside the window that sheltered the telephone, and he couldn’t help hearing the conversation.

“Hello, is that you, Adrian? Yes, this is Laurel. Why, I’m sorry, Adrian, I can’t go with you tonight. I had a little car trouble and have to wait for repairs. No, nothing serious. Something went wrong with the generator, and I had to wait for the parts to come. What? You’ll come after me? No indeed, Adrian. I couldn’t think of letting you do that. It’s much too far for you to make it and get back in time for your other guests, and it would throw all your plans out. I’m very sorry to disappoint you, but it isn’t anything I could help. Of course I should have telephoned you sooner, but I didn’t know till just now that I won’t be able to get my car before morning. No, it’s quite impossible, Adrian. . . . Oh yes, I’ll be all right. I have friends here. I’m sorry to disappoint you. When? Why yes, I may be able to see you Saturday evening if you should happen to be around. That is, I think I’ll be at home then, but I can’t be sure. I could telephone if I get back. Sorry, Adrian, but I know You’ll understand how it is. Good-bye!”

Laurel came out of the little glass room with a smile. She wasn’t feeling badly at missing her date! Or was she? Maybe she was smiling at hearing a beloved voice. How could he tell? Pilgrim wished he hadn’t overheard the conversation.