“And now?” he persisted.

“Still encouraging.  I must admit, although the test is not yet complete.  However, we are now approaching the end of our journey.  Before we turn in I am going to ask a favour of you—­call me Natalie.”

“Natalie; that will be easy.”

“And also forgive me if I fail in always addressing you formally as Captain West.  I presume your friends say Matt, do they not?”

“Some have that habit.”

“Then I claim also the privilege.”

She bewildered him, left him in wonderment as to what she would do next, but there was scarcely time in which to answer before the speeding limousine turned abruptly into a private drive-way, curving gracefully to the front of a rather imposing stone mansion, set well back from the road.  West caught a glimpse of a green lawn, a maze of stables at the rear, and a tennis-court with several busily engaged players.  Then they were at the side entrance, and a servant, in the same unobtrusive livery as the chauffeur, was quietly opening the door.  He turned and helped his companion to emerge.

“Take the gentleman’s bag to the Blue Room, Sexton,” she said calmly, “and then lay out his evening clothes.”

“Yes, miss.”

“I will be in the hall when you come down, Captain, but there is no hurry.”

West followed the servant up the softly carpeted stairs, finding the apartment assigned him not only extremely comfortable, but even elegant in its furnishing.  He stood at the window looking down on the tennis court, while Sexton opened the bag, and spread out the required garments on the bed.  Evidently he was in a home of wealth and refinement.  The grounds outspread before his eyes were spacious and attractive; in the distance he even perceived an artificial lake with paths winding enticingly along its shore, and through strips of woodland.  Who could this strange girl be? this Natalie Coolidge?  And what could she possible desire of him?  These questions remained unanswered, yet continually tantalized.  He could not even grasp her personality.  In spite of her apparent friendliness, her irresistible smile, her lack of conventionality, there remained a certain reserve about the young woman he felt quite unable to penetrate.  Whatever game she was playing she kept the cards securely in her own hands.  He was not yet admitted to her confidence.  He stood there immersed in these thoughts still, when Sexton spoke.

“Shall I assist you, sir?”

“No; it will not be necessary.  You have laid out everything?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Very well; that will do, at present.  What is the hour for dinner?”

“Seven o’clock, sir.”