“‘Where is your father?’ I asked, as she laid off her dust-coat.

“‘He’s in New York,’ said she.  ‘I’m traveling alone.’

“‘And where have you been all this time?’

“’In Europe, mainly; Rome, Naples, Cairo, India, St. Petersburg, London—­all about, in fact.  Father took me abroad the day after Thanksgiving—­you remember?  And he has kept me there.  But I came of age two weeks ago.’

“‘Two weeks!’ I ejaculated.

“’Yes, I took the first ship after my birthday.  I’ve been traveling pretty constantly ever since.  This is a long way from the world out here, isn’t it?’ She looked around curiously.

“‘From your world, yes,’ said I, and when she offered nothing further I grew embarrassed.  I started to speak; then, noting the maid, I hesitated; but Alicia shook her head faintly.

“‘Lisette doesn’t understand a word of English,’ said she.

“‘Why have you come out here, Alicia?’ I inquired.  I was far more ill at ease than she.

“‘Do you need to ask?’ She eyed me defiantly.  ’I respected father’s wishes when I was in my minority.  I traveled and studied and did all the tiresome things he commanded me to do—­as long as he had the right to command.  But when I became my own mistress I—­took my full freedom.  He made his life to suit himself; I intend to make mine to suit myself.  I’m sorry I can’t please him, but we don’t seem to see things the same way, and I dare say he has accepted the inevitable.’

“’Then you consider this—­this move you evidently contemplate as inevitable?’

“She lifted her dainty brows.  ’Inevitable isn’t a good word.  I wish a certain thing; I have wished it from the first; I have never ceased for an instant to wish it; I feel that I must have it; therefore, to all intents and purposes, it is inevtable.  Anyhow, I’m going to have it.’

“‘You have—­er—­been in communication with—­’

“‘Never!  Father forbade it.’

“‘Then how did you know he is here?’

“’He wrote me when he left college.  He said he was coming home.  I’ve heard nothing since.  He is here, isn’t he?’

“’So I believe.  I haven’t seen him yet; you know I’ve been away myself.’

“‘Will you take me to him?’

“‘Have you really weighed this thing?’ I remonstrated.  ’Do you realize what it means?’

“‘Please don’t.’  She smiled wearily.  ’So many people have tried to argue me out of my desires.  I shall not spoil my life, believe me; it is too good a thing to ruin.  That is precisely why I’m here.’

“‘If you insist.’  I gave in reluctantly.  ’Of course I’ll put myself at your service.  We’ll look for him to-morrow.’  All sorts of wild expedients to thwart a meeting were scurrying through my mind.

“‘We’ll go to-day,’ said she.

“‘But—­’

“‘At once!  If you’re too busy I’ll ask somebody else—­’

“‘Very well!’ said I.  ‘We’ll drive out to the encampment.’  And I sent for my buckboard.