if he was
enjoying himself, talk to him until the music began, then sidle off with
an inaudible remark. Altogether if the young men had sinned during the
summer,--and they searched their consciences in vain,--they were
punished. The New Woman had not arrived in the Eighties, but the
instinct was there, inherited from remotest mother.

The party was a third over when Trennahan approached Magdalena for the
first time. She had taken her partner to his chaperon, Mrs. Geary, and
was regarding a group of expectant youths. The spirit of the thing had
possessed her and she was enjoying herself. Her shyness had worn off to
some extent; she danced rather well, and had learned to make small talk.
Being happy, all things seemed easy of accomplishment. She became aware
that Trennahan was standing beside her, but did not turn her eyes.

"Will you sit out a dance with me--or rather walk it out in the garden?
You must be a little tired, and it is delightful out there."

"I'd rather--I think papa would not like it."

"I am positive that he would not mind."

"I am engaged."

"Let me see your fan."

She delivered it reluctantly.

"You have no one down for the next--nor the next."

"I--I--think I'd rather not go."

"Do you mean that? For if you do, I shall go home. I came for nothing
else. I have not seen you alone for three days."

"I am sorry."

"Come."

Her jumping fingers closed about her fan, and the sticks creaked; but
she followed him.

As they descended the steps he drew her hand through his arm. The garden
looked very wild and dark. The stars were burning overhead. Slanting
into the heavy perfume of flowers were the pungent odours of a forest
fire.

"You look like a pomegranate flower."

"Do you like my frock?"

"You know that I do."

"Should you like to smoke?"

"I should not."

"It is a beautiful night."

"Very."

"I had a letter from Helena to-day."

"Did you?"

"She described a wonderful experience she had climbing the Alps. Shall I
tell you about it?"

"Good God, no! I beg pardon, but the American girl in Europe is
interesting to no one but herself."

"She is interesting to me."

"Because you love her. Her letters really bore you, only you won't admit
it even to yourself."

"But Helena is really more brilliant than most people."

"Possibly; but I did not come out here to talk about Helena."

Magdalena's fan was hanging at the end of a chain. She clutched at it,
missed it, and presse