That was it, and her fine imagination filled in the way she thought it ought to be.

So Mrs. Harmon hurried to the kitchen and put on the coffeepot. She just must have some more coffee after all this strenuous watching. And it was just at that moment that Paige drove his father’s old car out of the garage and down the driveway that passed her window. She heard the rattle of the old engine and hurried back to the window. But she was too late. She caught but one glimpse of the back of the old car, just its well-worn back as it swung into the road. Somebody at the wheel, of course, for it obviously could not drive itself, but surely the young man would never go to such an important place in the old car. At least he could have sent for a taxi. And most perplexing of all, she was sure, as the car turned the corner by the streetlight, she had caught the flash of bright buttons on a uniform. Surely he wouldn’t go to the Chalmerses’ to dinner now, when he was supposed to be out of the service, wearing his old shabby uniform. Or, perhaps he had a dress uniform. But he hadn’t had a light up in his room but a minute or two. He couldn’t have changed in that short time. It must all be a mistake, and she was glad she hadn’t yielded to the impulse she had had to run over and talk to Mrs. Madison in the afternoon when she first thought of it.

So she settled down with a book and the rest of her box of chocolates and put the whole thing out of her mind. At least she could tell later when he returned if there had been time for him to eat a dinner in a really fashionable place. But then, there was no telling what a Madison might not do. They were unpredictable. They had ways of their own and cared not whether they were popular and considered “smart” or not. It was just as well. She better keep out of their affairs. Even if the young man should get a good job with the Chalmers firm, he probably wouldn’t be keen enough to hold it.

But Paige Madison was not altogether unaware of what was required of a guest in the Chalmers home when one was going to dine with his new employer. He drove the old car to a garage not too far from the pretentious mansion for which he was bound, and strode out boldly into the darkness. He had well calculated his time. Dinner was at seven thirty. He would be there on the dot, and the shabby old car wouldn’t be at all in evidence.

Paige Madison stepped into the Chalmerses’ house a full minute before the costly clock chime in the hall pealed out the half hour.

The young man went through the introductions to the family with dignity and a quiet poise that astonished the girl Reva. She didn’t understand it. He didn’t look old enough to be so grave and thoughtful.

He had not been much attracted by Reva, and beyond the mere courtesies of the occasion paid little attention to her, which of course did not add to his popularity with the girl. She was not accustomed to being ignored and before the meal was concluded had determined that this sort of thing should not go on.