woman had; in fact, she was the inspirer, and Fred fell fifty fathoms
deep in love with her the very moment she entered the room. He heard
not, felt not, thought not, so struck with love was he. Ruth got him
to a window for a few moments and so hid his emotion until he could get
himself together."

"Oh, what a tale! What a cobweb tale! I don't believe a word of it," and
she laughed merrily.

"'Tis true as gospel, Granny."

"Name her, then. Who was the woman?"

"Dora."

"It is beyond belief, above belief, out of all reason. It cannot be,
and it shall not be, and if you are making up a story to tease me, Ethel
Rawdon----"

"Grandmother, let me tell you just how it came about. We were all in the
room waiting for Dora, and she suddenly entered. She was dressed in soft
amber silk from head to feet; diamonds were in her black hair, and on
the bands across her shoulders, on her corsage, on her belt, her hands,
and even her slippers. Under the electric lights she looked as if she
was in a golden aura, scintillating with stars. She took Fred's breath
away. He was talking to Ruth, and he could not finish the word he was
saying. Ruth thought he was going to faint----"

"Don't tell me such nonsense."

"Well, grandmother, this nonsense is truth. As I said before, Ruth
took him aside until he got control of himself; then, as he was Dora's
escort, he had to go to her. Ruth introduced them, and as she raised her
soft, black eyes to his, and put her hand on his arm, something happened
again, but this time it was like possession. He was the courtier in a
moment, his eyes flashed back her glances, he gave her smile for smile,
and then when they were seated side by side he became inspired and
talked as I have told you. It is the truth, grandmother."

"Well, there are many different kinds of fools, but Fred Mostyn is the
worst I ever heard tell of. Does he not know that the girl is engaged?"

"Knows it as well as I do."

"None of our family were ever fools before, and I hope Fred will come
round quickly. Do you think Dora noticed the impression she made?"

"Yes, Aunt Ruth noticed Dora; and Ruth says Dora 'turned the arrow in
the heart wound' all the evening."

"What rubbish you are talking! Say in good English what you mean."

"She tried every moment they, were together to make him more and more
in love with her."

"What is her intention? A girl doesn't carry on that way for nothing."

"I do not know. Dora has got beyond