CHAPTER XXIX

ntothewoodshadowsandthrowinggreat,blood-redribbonsoverthewaters.Musicwoulddrifttothemalluringlyfromboatshereandthere,orfromtheverandahsonthebighouseofthemillionaireonthebiggestisland. “Wouldyoulikeahouselikethat,Moonlight?”Barneyaskedonce,wavinghishandatit.HehadtakentocallingherMoonlight,andValancylovedit. “No,”saidValancy,whohadoncedreamedofamountaincastletentimesthesizeoftherichman’s“cottage”andnowpitiedthepoorinhabitantsofpalaces.“No.It’stooelegant.IwouldhavetocarryitwithmeeverywhereIwent.Onmybacklikeasnail.Itwouldownme—possessme,bodyandsoul.IlikeahouseIcanloveandcuddleandboss.Justlikeourshere.Idon’tenvyHamiltonGossard‘thefinestsummerresidenceinCanada.’Itismagnificent,butitisn’tmyBlueCastle.” Awaydownatthefarendofthelaketheygoteverynightaglimpseofabig,continentaltrainrushingthroughaclearing.Valancylikedtowatchitslightedwindowsflashbyandwonderwhowasonitandwhathopesandfearsitcarried.ShealsoamusedherselfbypicturingBarneyandherselfgoingtothedancesanddinnersinthehousesontheislands,butshedidnotwanttogoinreality.Oncetheydidgotoamasqueradedanceinthepavilionatoneofthehotelsupthelake,andhadagloriousevening,butslippedawayintheircanoe,beforeunmaskingtime,backtotheBlueCastle. “Itwaslovely—butIdon’twanttogoagain,”saidValancy. Som