o different, but he wore his city
garments as though he had worn nothing else, and there was, she
fancied, an indefinite stamp of something which almost amounted to
distinction upon him that set him apart from the rest. Even Seaforth
wondered a little at his comrade, but both he and Alice Deringham
overlooked the fact that Alton had not spent his whole life at Somasco
ranch.

He, on his part, as the girl was quite aware, glanced often at her.
She did not, however, meet his gaze, for once Alton was on the way to
recovery, she had left the ranch somewhat hastily, and there had been
as yet no defining of the relations between them, while neither she nor
her father were cognizant of the actual cause of his wound. In the
meanwhile she made the most of Thorne, and by degrees Alton lost his
grip of the conversation. He had never seen Alice Deringham attired as
she was then, and, for his hostess had made the bravest display
possible, the profusion of flowers, glass, and glittering silver which
it seemed appropriate that she should be placed amidst, in a curious
fashion troubled the man. This, he knew, was a part of the environment
she had been used to, and he sighed as he thought of the sordid
simplicity at Somasco. There was also Commander Thorne beside her, and
the naval officer was one upon whom the stamp of birth and polish was
very visible. This man, he surmised, would understand the thoughts and
fancies which were incomprehensible to him, and was acquainted with all
the petty trifles which are of vast importance to a woman in the
aggregate.

Alton's heart grew heavy as he watched them, noticing the passing smile
of comprehension that came so easily and expressed so much, and heard
through the hum of voices the soft English accentuation which by
contrast with his own speech seemed musical. He knew his value in the
busy world, but he also knew his failings, and the knowledge was bitter
to him then. There were so many little things he did not know, and he
saw himself, as he thought the girl must see him--uncouth, which it was
impossible for him to be, crude of thought, over-vehement or taciturn
in speech, a barbarian. The misgivings had troubled him before, but
they were very forceful now, and at last he was glad when Mrs. Forel
smiled at him.

"You have been watching Miss Deringham, and neglecting me," she said.

For a moment Alton looked almost confused, and the lady laughed as she
continued. "Very pretty an