nvy. She was so young; her loveliness was so untainted by
the world; the delicate droop of the pure lips was so childlike, while
it hinted of the deeper nature of the woman, that many who regarded her
and then glanced at the professional beauty, mentally accorded Nell the
palm.

And among them was Drake. He had gone straight to the smoking room, had
lit a cigarette, and, pacing up and down, had, with stern lips and
frowning brows, revolved the problem which fate had set him.

He swore under his breath, after the manner of men, as he went over the
scene with Luce. What devil of ill chance had sent her down there? And
why--why had she changed her mind? Was it really true that she--cared
for, him still? He could scarcely believe it; and yet the caress of her
hand, the look in her eyes, the--the--kiss----He flung the cigarette
away--for he had bitten it in two--and fumed mentally. And what did she
mean, think? Was it possible that she thought he could go back to her?

He laughed grimly, in mockery of the idea. Why, even if there had been
no Nell, he could not have gone back to Luce. And there was Nell! Yes,
thank God! there was Nell, his dear, sweet, beautiful Nell! His girl
love, the girl who was like a pure star shining in God's heaven compared
with a flame from--yes, from the nethermost pit. Love! He, who now knew
what love meant, laughed scornfully at the idea in connection with Lady
Luce. Passion it might be--but love! And she had left him with a kiss,
as if she were convinced that she had recovered him! Oh, it was
damnable, damnable!

Why--why, she might even behave in the ballroom as if--as if she had a
right to claim him! She might even tell the Chesneys that--that----

He strode out of the smoking room in time to see the Chesney party
taking their departure. As Lady Luce shook hands with the hostess and
murmured her thanks for "a delightful evening"--and for once they were
genuine and no idle formula--he saw her glance round the room as if in
search of some one; but he drew back out of sight.

Then, when they had gone, he reentered the ballroom and his eyes sought
Nell. She met them, and he smiled, but rather anxiously, with a feeling
of disquietude; for there was----Was there something strange in the
expression of her face? But as she smiled back--can one imagine what
that smile cost Nell?--he drew a breath of relief, found a partner, and
joined in the dance.

By this time the party had reached the after-su