At an awkward crossing a street car forced Maxwell’s automobile against the sidewalk. In front a transfer wagon blocked the way, and up the hill opposite a straining team hauled a load of lumber from a yard. The hill was Maxwell’s line home and he had meant to call for Helen and go for a picnic in the woods, but now he was forced to wait, he weighed another plan.
A fresh breeze blew up the street from the sparkling Inlet, the sun was on the tall office blocks, and Maxwell’s mood was buoyant. For some time he had used strenuous effort and borne keen suspense, and now he thought himself entitled to a holiday. Helen had helped him nobly, but Helen was fastidious and when she was with him he could not altogether relax. He resolved to put off their excursion and go for Coral. Coral was frankly
