bons that go to compound that
multifarious thing, a well-dressed woman." Ever ready with a
quick retort, she bestowed her favors generously, to the evident
discomfiture of a young officer in her retinue whom she had met
several days before, and who, ever since, had coveted a full
harvest of smiles, liking not a little the first sample he had
gathered. However, it was not Susan's way to entrust herself fully
to any one; it was all very interesting to play one against
another; to intercept angry gleams; to hold in check clashing
suitors--this was exciting and diverting--but she exercised care
not to transgress those bounds where she ceased to be mistress of
the situation. Perhaps her limits in coquetry were further set
than most women would have ventured to place them, but without
this temerity and daring, the pastime would have lost its charm for
her. She might play with edged tools, but she also knew how to
use them.

Near her was seated Kate, indolent as of yore, now watching her sister
with an indulgent, enigmatic expression, anon permitting a scornful
glance to stray toward Adonis, who, for his part, had eyes only for
his companion, a distinct change from country hoidens, tavern
demoiselles and dainty wenches, with their rough hands and rosy
cheeks. This lady's hands were like milk; her cheeks, ivory, and
Adonis in bestowing his attentions upon her, had a two-fold purpose:
to return tit for tat for Kate's flaunting ways, and to gratify his
own ever-fleeting fancy.

In a box, half the length of the grand stand removed, some distance
back and to the left of Susan's gay party, Constance, Mrs. Adams and
the soldier were also observers of this scene of animation.

Since the manager's successful flight from the landlord and the
constables, the relations of the young girl and Saint-Prosper had
undergone little change. At first, it is true, with the memory of
the wild ride to the river fresh in her mind, and the more or less
disturbing recollections of that strange, dark night, a certain
reticence had marked her manner toward the soldier; but, as time
went by, this touch of reserve wore off, and was succeeded by her
usual frankness or gaiety. In her eyes appeared, at times, a new
thoughtfulness, but for no longer period than the quick passing of
a summer cloud over a sunny meadow. This half-light of brief
conjecture or vague retrospection only mellowed the depths of her
gaze, and Barnes alone noted and wondered.

But