ng, over a late and leisurely breakfast, Jean had much to say
on the subject of her last night's experiences.

"I danced a hole in my slippers--a little one, and quite a big one in
Captain Gregson's heart. He is, like all sailors, absurdly susceptible.
I made only my second-best eyes at him. Like this! In my best effort
I look up helplessly, appealingly, and then, down, quite a long time
down, because curling dark eyelashes look so well when one's cheeks are
flushed. I just opened them rather widely at the Captain once or twice
as we sat out after a dance, and he fell down flat. Dear, big, stupid
thing, he can't take care of himself one bit. He asked if he might
call, but I shan't be at home. I always stop short of the danger-point,
as you know quite well, so don't make faces at me, my dear, and, above
all things, don't preach. If you preached, I might be capable of seeing
him, and showing my eyelashes. Opposition always drives me hard the
other way. You looked tired, dear. Were you bored? Three separate men
asked me who you were. I dissembled, and said you were `a Miss
Strangeways,' and listened with all my ears to what they would say next.
One said, `she is not exactly pretty, but one notices her. She has an
air.' Another said, `I do like to see a girl well groomed. It's
refreshing to look at her head.' The third said, `that girl would be
worth knowing. It's a fine face.'"

Vanna's smile was a somewhat laboured effort.

"You mustn't repeat masculine compliments, Jean. They are forbidden
sweets. I shall never settle down into a steady-going `Affliction
Female' if you dangle worldly gauds before my eyes. I'm not going to
any more balls. My capacity for frivol has died a violent death, and I
feel all `out of the picture' in a ballroom. I must find more serious
occupations for my life."

"Vanna, what rubbish! You are only twenty-three; you have your whole
long life ahead. If it's going to be dull, that's all the more reason
why you should enjoy yourself now. I thought you would live in town,
and we should do everything together. Can't you forget the future,
dear, and enjoy the hour--buying pretty things and wearing them, and
music, and flowers, and dancing, and talking things over afterwards?
That has always been one of the best bits--comparing notes after the
fray; making fun of other people, and ourselves! _Don't_ fall out,
Vanna, and leave me to go on alone!"

"You won't be alone!" The