Desire investigated.

“She is walking up and down.”

“A bad sign.  It doesn’t leave us much time.  The most difficult point is the introduction.  Now, in an introduction, what counts for most?  Ancestors, of course.  My dear, have you any ancestors?”

“Not one.”

“I was afraid of that.  In fact I had intended to provide a few.  But I never dreamed they would be needed so soon.  What is she doing now?”

“She has stopped walking.  She has turned.  She is coming this way.”

“Then we must take our chance.”  The professor rose briskly.  “Never allow the enemy to attack.  Come on.  But keep behind me while I draw her fire.”

Aunt Caroline advanced in full formation.

“Benis.  Ben—­nis!” she called piercingly.  “He can’t be very far away,” she declared over her shoulder.  “I have a feeling—­Benis!”

“Who calls so loud?” quoted the professor innocently, appearing with startling suddenness from behind the boulder.  “Why!” in amazed recognition.  “It is Aunt Caroline!”

“It is.”  Aunt Caroline corroborated grimly.

“This is a surprise,” exclaimed the professor.  As we have noted before, he liked to be truthful when possible.  “How’d’do, Aunt!  However did you get here?”

“How I came,” replied Aunt Caroline, “is not material.  The fact that I am here is sufficient.”

“Quite,” said Benis.  “But,” he added in a puzzled tone, “you are not alone.  Surely, my dear Aunt, I

“You see Dr. Rogers who has kindly accompanied me.”

“John Rogers here?  With you?” In rising amazement.

“It is a detail.”  Aunt Caroline’s voice was somewhat tart.  “I could scarcely travel unaccompanied.”

“Surely not.  But really—­was there no lady friend—­”

“Don’t be absurd, Benis!” But she was obscurely conscious of a check.  Against the disturbed surprise of her nephew’s attitude her sharpened weapons had already turned an edge.  Only one person can talk at a time, and, to her intense indignation, she found herself displaced as the attacking party.  Also the behavior of her auxiliary force was distinctly apologetic.

“Hello, Benis!” said Rogers, coming up late and reluctant.  “Sorry to have dropped in on you like this.  But your Aunt thought—­”

“Don’t say a word, my dear fellow!  No apology is necessary.  I am quite sure she did.  But it might be a good idea for you to do a little thinking yourself occasionally.  Aunt is so rash.  How were you to know that you would find us at home?  Rather a risk, what?  Luckily, Aunt,” turning to that speechless relative with reassurance, “it is quite all right.  My wife will be delighted—­ Desire, my dear, permit me—­Aunt, you will be glad, I’m sure—­this is Desire.  Desire, this is your new Aunt.”

“How do you do?” said Desire.  “I have never had an Aunt before.”

It was the one thing which she should have said.  Had she known Aunt Caroline for years she could not have done better.  But, unfortunately, that admirable lady did not hear it.  She had heard nothing since the shattering blow of the word “wife.”