The porters lodge belonging to Headland House was partly visible from the clubhouse, and it guarded the gates that gave ingress to the estate. There was no other mode of entrance, for a high wall ran completely across the narrow neck that joined the headland to the main shore, and all other sides of the precipitous cliff ran straight down to the sea.
From where they sat the group could discern the motor road as far as the lodge; and here and there above that could be glimpsed the narrow, tortuous path that led on to the house.
Grim old pile, Landon said, looking at Headland House. Any spook connected with its history?
I never heard of any, said Mrs Blackwood. Did you, Mr North?
Not definitely, but Ive heard vague rumors of old legends or traditions of dark deeds
Oh, pshaw, I dont believe it! and Mrs Blackwood shook her head at him. Youre making that up to lend an added interest!
North grinned. Im afraid I was, he admitted, but if there isnt any legend there surely ought to be. Lets make one up.
No, I wont have it. I hate haunted houses, and I shant allow a ghost to be invented. The place is too beautiful to have a foolish, hackneyed old ghost yarn attached to it. Just because you were up here last summer and this is the first year for most of us, you neednt think you can rule the roost!
Very well, Lawrence North smiled good-naturedly, have it your own way. But, truly, I heard rumors last year
Keep them to yourself, then, and when you meet the Varians, as of course you will, dont say anything to them about such a thing.
Your word is law, and North bowed, submissively. Here comes the mail at last, and also, here comes Granniss, the disapproved one!
A tall outdoorsy-looking young man appeared, and throwing himself into a piazza swing, asked breezily, Whos disapproving of me, now? Somebody with absolute lack of fine perception!
Nobody here, began Landon, and then a warning glance from Claire Blackwood prevented his further disclosures on the subject.
Dont make a secret of it, went on Granniss, own up now, whos been knocking poor little me?
I, said Mrs Blackwood, coolly.
Nixy, Madame Claire! You may disapprove of me, but youre not the one I mean. Who else?
Oh, lets tell him, North laughed; he can stand the shock. They say, Granniss, youre persona non grata up at the house on the headland.
Rodney Granniss eyes darkened and he looked annoyed. But he only said, Thats a disapproval any one may obtain by the simple process of admiring Miss Varian.
Really? asked Claire Blackwood.
Very really. To call twice is to incur the displeasure of one or both parents; to venture a third time is to be crossed out of the guest book entirely.
But, look here, old man, Landon said, theyve only been in that house about a week. Havent you been rushing things?
I knew them before, said Granniss, simply. Ive met them in New York.
Oh, well, then their dislike of you is evidently well-founded!
But this impudence of Landons brought forth no expression of resentment from its victim. Granniss only winked at Ted, and proceeded to look over his letters.
It was the first time in the memory of any of the present habitués of Headland Harbor, that the house on the rocks had been occupied. Built long ago, it was so difficult of access and so high priced of rental that no one had cared to live in it. But, suddenly, and for no known reason, this summer it had been rented, late, and now, toward the end of July, the new tenants were only fairly settled.
That their name was Varian was about all that was known of them, until Mrs Blackwoods call had been hospitably received and she brought back favorable reports of the family.
It seems Betty was anxious to meet some young people and Mrs Varian was glad to learn from her caller that small picnics were among the favored modes of entertainment, and she decided to begin that way.
Next day, she explained, a few house guests would arrive, and if Mrs Blackwood would bring two or three young men and come herself, perhaps that would be enough for a first attempt at sociability.
This met Mrs Blackwoods entire approval, and she proposed Rodney Granniss name, all unsuspecting that he would not be welcomed.
Hes all right, you understand, Mrs Varian had said, Betty not being then present, but hes too fond of my daughter. You can tell, you know, and I want the child to have a good time, but I want her to have a lot of young acquaintances, and be friendly with all, but not specially interested in any one. Her father feels the same way, in fact, he feels more strongly about it even than I do. So, this time, please leave Mr Granniss out of it.
This met Mrs Blackwoods entire approval, and she proposed Rodney Granniss name, all unsuspecting that he would not be welcomed.
Hes all right, you understand, Mrs Varian had said, Betty not being then present, but hes too fond of my daughter. You can tell, you know, and I want the child to have a good time, but I want her to have a lot of young acquaintances, and be friendly with all, but not specially interested in any one. Her father feels the same way, in fact, he feels more strongly about it even than I do. So, this time, please leave Mr Granniss out of it.