"But you can get rid of that objection," she said in reply, "if you have abad ground. Croquet needs hazards just as much as golf does. Thefinest games I always have ever seen were played on a bad ground."

So we talked and strode until some of the lights in the upper windowsof the house had gone out. We ascended to the porch, and just beforeentering the front door she turned to me.

"I wish I could go to sleep to-night with the same right to feelproud, self-confident, superior, that you have. Good-night." And sheheld out her hand and gave mine a strong, hearty shake.

I smiled as she left me standing on the porch. This was the same spoton which her sister Genevieve had felt my muscle. "This is anappreciative family," I exclaimed, and, guided by the sound of voices, Ifound Mr. Larramie and his son Walter in the billiard-room.