p, musical voice which was infinitely attractive, and Myra
found herself more than a little fascinated, and felt that she could
listen to him all evening. But she tossed her red-gold head and
laughed lightly.

"Should I respond by telling you in honeyed words that you dance as
well as you play polo, and congratulate you on being a most delightful
conversationalist?" she inquired in bantering tones. "Please don't be
absurd!"

"Absurd?" repeated Don Carlos. "Sweet senorita, I am but speaking what
is in my heart. Never have I seen any woman to compare with you. You
are wonderful--my ideal! Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"It's surely daft the man is!" remarked Myra to the ceiling, before
looking again into the bright eyes of her partner. "Pardon me, Don
Carlos, but you are carrying your extravagant nonsense too far," she
added.

Don Carlos raised his dark eyebrows in mock-surprise and sighed heavily.

"How have I offended, senorita? I have but asked a question which you
have not answered. Let me explain that I have known women to fall in
love with me at first sight, but never before have I myself been a
victim."

"Sure, and it's a good conceit of himself the Don has, and he needs
taking down a peg or two," said Myra to herself. "I am afraid I don't
believe in love at first sight, Don Carlos, and the idea of any woman
falling in love with you at first sight only makes me feel inclined to
laugh," she said aloud. "Of course, the English conception of what
love is and means may be totally different from the Spanish."

"But you are not of the cold-blooded English," Don Carlos objected,
skilfully guiding her through the maze of dancers. "I have heard that
the Irish are as warm-blooded as the Latins, and can love and hate with
the same passionate intensity. You, I feel sure, dear lady, would be
capable of loving wonderfully were your heart really awakened. And
some instinct tells me it is I who will awaken your heart and kindle
the fires of passion dormant within you."

The words, spoken in a low, caressing tone, thrilled Myra anew, but she
made pretence of being shocked and offended.

"You flatter yourself, senor," she said, with a disdainful glance and a
note of contempt in her sweet voice. "Unless you are entirely ignorant
of English conventionalities, your remarks are unpardonable. Would you
care to repeat to Mr. Standish, to whom I am engaged to be married,
what you have just said?"

"Ye