e
absolutely without feeling. Yet I don't believe you devoid of
temperament. I think I know women. I have met a good many. You do
not belong to the type of cold, passionless women."

Again his eyes sought hers and found them. Again she tried to avoid
his gaze and could not. There was something in his manner, his
gestures, the tone of his voice, that conveyed to her more his real
meaning than his actual words, yet, to her surprise, she was not
aroused to anger. Sure of herself, she found herself listening,
wondering what he would say next, ready to flee at the first warning of
peril, but playing a dangerous game like the moth in the flame. As she
sat back on the sofa, her head in the sofa cushions, he leaned nearer
to her, and in those low, musical tones which held her under a kind of
spell, he murmured:

"You are the cleverest woman I ever met."

She smiled in spite of herself, and he, mistaking the motive, thought
she intended it as an encouragement. He glanced round to see if anyone
was watching them, but Mr. Parker was peacefully dozing in a deep
armchair a dozen yards away, and at the far end of the room Ray, Steell
and Reynolds were engrossed in an exciting game of cards. Leaning
quickly over, he seized her hand. His voice vibrating with passion, he
said:

"Not only the cleverest, but the most desirable of women. Don't you
see that you've set me afire? I'm mad for you! Helen--I want you!"

For a moment she was too stunned by his insolent daring to withdraw her
hand, which he continued to press in his. His eyes flashing, he went
on:

"Haven't you seen all along that I love you--desperately, passionately.
You've set me afire. I'm mad for you. Let me awaken that love that's
in your breast, but which your husband has never awakened. Let me----"

He did not finish, for that moment a small, jeweled hand, suddenly torn
from his grasp, struck him full on the mouth. Rising and trying with
difficulty to control the emotion in her voice, she said quickly:

"You'd better go now--so as to prevent a scandal. If they knew, it
might be awkward for you. Of course, you must never come here again."

That was all. She swept away from him with the dignity of an offended
queen. The silence was deadly. All one heard was the silk rustle of
her gown as she moved across the floor.

"It's my say," exclaimed Ray.

"I lead with trumps," said Steell.

"Signor Keralio has to go. Isn't it too bad!"

Mr. S