Stars, creeds, cosmologies, promptly receded into remote perspective and had to shift for themselves.It was true that Gissing had somewhat avoided her lately, for he feared her fascination.He wished nothing else to interfere with his search for what he had not yet found.Postpone the female problem to the last, was his theory: not because it was insoluble, but because the solution might prove to be less interesting than the problem itself.But side by side with her, she was irresistible.A skittish brightness shone in her eyes.

"Great news!" she exclaimed."I've persuaded Papa to take us all down to Atlantic City for a couple of days.""Wonderful!" cried Gissing."Do you know, I've never been to the seashore.""Don't worry," she replied."I won't let you see much of the ocean.We'll go to the Traymore, and spend the whole time dancing in the Submarine Grill.""But I must be back in time for the service on Sunday," he said.

"We're going to leave first thing in the morning.We'll go in the car, and I'll drive.Will you sit with me in the front seat?""Watch me!" replied Gissing gallantly.

"Come on then, or you'll be late for dinner.I'll race you home!" And she was off like a flash.