"No, sir, I've no thought of that. I simply want to make it possible for them to play Providence to each other. But it would take all day to tell you just how. You have a clue now, and suppose you watch me work it out. I shall probably come to you often for advice, and I must not take up more of your time to-day."
She arose, with a brisk movement, and began fastening her fur collar, in spite of his detaining gesture.
"No, no," she laughed, "don't tempt me! When I mount my hobby it carries me fast and far. Save yourself from its heels. But I will come again."
"You know when to dismount, evidently, and just in time to whet one's curiosity, too. I may be asking to ride it myself, next. Well, do come again--but wait! What's the name of your new town?"
"I've been puzzling over that, Mr. Barrington. I wanted in some way to have my family name connected with it, and yet not so distinctly as to be suggestive, either. There is the English of it--of course it's a free translation--that might do. I don't care to hint at my ideas in the name, so perhaps----"
"Lavillotte?" he questioned. "What is the English of it."
"And make it Littleton? Well, why not? I rather like that! It seems impersonal; it explains nothing."
"Except its smallness," laughed the lawyer, "and that would be apparent anyhow, I suppose."
"I'm afraid so. Yes, I believe it will do. Littleton! It really suits me."
"There! Didn't I tell you? I've named your model town already; I shall be galloping side by side with you before you know it. Off with you now, hobby and all!"
But she passed out smiling and satisfied. When Mr. Barrington took that tone she knew he was the old friend again, and not the legal adviser; and much as she respected the lawyer, she far preferred the friend, to-day.
Miss Lavillotte descended in the elevator and hurried out to her waiting brougham, and stopped an instant with her foot on the step, to turn a kindly, inquiring gaze upon the elderly coachman, who held the door open before her. An amused twinkle grew in his honest eyes as he gravely responded to the glance with the words, "No, Miss Joyce, I'm not tired nor cold--where next?"
"If you are certain, Gilbert; but it was a good while, and"--"It's mild and pleasant to-day, Miss Joyce."
