CHAPTER XLV

Valancy and Barney turned under the mainland pines in the cool dusk of

the September night for a farewell look at the Blue Castle.

Mistawis

was drowned in sunset lilac light, incredibly delicate and elusive. Nip

and Tuck were cawing lazily in the old pines. Good Luck and Banjo were

mewed and mewing in separate baskets in Barney’s new, dark-green car

_en route_ to Cousin Georgiana’s. Cousin Georgiana was going to take

care of them until Barney and Valancy came back. Aunt Wellington and

Cousin Sarah and Aunt Alberta had also entreated the privilege of

looking after them, but to Cousin Georgiana was it given. Valancy was

in tears.

“Don’t cry, Moonlight. We’ll be back next summer. And now we’re off for

a real honeymoon.”

Valancy smiled through her tears. She was so happy that her happiness

terrified her. But, despite the delights before her—‘the glory that was

Greece and the grandeur that was Rome’—lure of the ageless Nile—glamour

of the Riviera—mosque and palace and minaret—she knew perfectly well

that no spot or place or home in the world could ever possess the

sorcery of her Blue Castle.

THE END