ever, if you would like a dance----"

She danced well and Foster knew there were men in the hall who envied
him. He, moreover, imagined that Carmen knew it would be remarked that
she had banished her other attendants and shown him special favor. This,
of course, would not trouble her, because Carmen generally did what she
pleased, but he felt inclined to wonder about her object. He knew her
well enough to think she had an object. When the music stopped she said,
"Now you may take me in to supper."

Supper was served in an ante-room, but, although this was contrary to
local custom, the guests came in when they liked and were provided with
small, separate tables. Instead of Foster's leading, Carmen guided him
to a quiet nook, partly screened by cedar branches, where they could see
without being seen. He thought it significant that a spot with such
advantages should be unoccupied, but this did not cause him much
surprise. Things generally happened as Carmen wanted, and it was a
privilege to sup with the prettiest and cleverest girl in the hall.

"You are going to stay at Featherstone's home in England, aren't you?"
she asked by and by.

"Yes," said Foster, who wondered how she knew. "Since I've spent ten
years on the plains and in the bush, it will be a rather embarrassing
change. You see, I'm better used to bachelor shacks and logging camps
than English country houses."

Carmen firmly brought him back to the subject. "Do you know much about
your partner's relatives? It's obvious that he belongs to a good family.
However, you'll have him with you."

Foster smiled. He did not mean to tell her that Featherstone was not
going with him.

"I know nothing about them. In fact, my ignorance of the habits of a
good family rather weighs on my mind."

Carmen gave him a level, critical glance. "They won't be able to find
much fault with you, and if they did, you wouldn't guess it, so it
wouldn't matter. But that is not what I meant. You have been
Featherstone's partner for some time, and it's curious that he has told
you nothing about his home."

"He's reserved," said Foster, who looked up as Daly came into the room
with a laughing girl, at whom Carmen glanced somewhat coldly. "Do you
know what that man is doing here?"

"I don't, but as he's agent for an engineering company, I dare say he's
looking for orders. Hulton's are buying new plant."

"But he's often in your father's office and at your house, and