h which must run its course with
the down on the peach. I fought against it because I want to be
original, but you might as well fight against a desire to sing at the
top of your voice when you are happy. But, you darling! I'm so glad to
see you again."

She flung herself on her knees beside Magdalena and demanded to be
kissed. Magdalena, who could hardly realise that she was back, and whose
loves were as fixed as the roots of the redwoods, gave her a great hug.

"Tell me, 'Lena, am I improved? Am I beautiful? Am I a great beauty?"

"You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen. Of course I have
not seen the great beauties of Europe--"

"They are not a patch to ours. When I was presented, there were eight
professionals standing round, and I walked away from the lot of them. Am
I more beautiful than Tiny, or Ila, or Caro, or Mrs. Washington?"

"Oh, yes! yes!"

"How? They are really very beautiful."

"I know; but you are--you know I never could express myself."

"I am Helena Belmont," replied that young woman, serenely. "Besides,
I've got the will to be beautiful as well as the outside. Tiny hasn't. I
have real audacity, and Ila only a make-believe. Caro shows her cards
every time she rolls her eyes, and Mrs. Washington never had a particle
of dash. I'm going to be the belle. I'm going to turn the head of every
man in San Francisco."

"I'm afraid you will, Helena."

"Afraid? You know you want me to. It wouldn't be half such fun if you
weren't approving and applauding."

"I don't want you to hurt anybody."

"Hurt?" Helena opened her dark-blue pellucid eyes. "The idea of
bothering about a trifle like that. Men expect to get a scratch or two
for the privilege of knowing us. It will be something for a man to
remember for the rest of his life that I've 'hurt' him."

"I am afraid you're a spoilt beauty already, Helena."

"I've got the world at my feet. That's a lovely sensation. You can't
think--it's a wonderful sensation."

"I can imagine it." Magdalena spoke without bitterness. Helena realised
all her old ambitions but one, but she was too happy for envy.

"Describe Mr. Trennahan all over again."

"I am such a bad hand at describing."

"Well, never mind. Fancy your being engaged! Tell me everything. How did
you feel the first moment you met him? When did you find yourself going?
It must be such a jolly sensation to be in love--for a week or so. Now!
Tell me all."

"I'd rather not, Helena. I love