ther? Who
was this man that she should consider his feelings toward her? The
whole thing was ridiculous! Yet Von Barwig made an irresistible appeal
to her, and she felt that she must rest contented with the fact as it
was, without seeking to know how or why. One point, however, stood out
very clearly: Beverly Cruger had been obviously jealous last night at
the opera. Octavie's silly prattle about a young and handsome foreign
nobleman had had a marked effect upon him, and Helene's heart beat
slightly faster as she pondered over this phase of the matter.

"He's actually jealous," she thought, and she enjoyed the idea.
Beverly's earnest manliness made her admire him greatly. It almost
reconciled her to Octavie's silliness! He was so different from the
swarm of social bees who sipped only the sweets of pleasure. He was a
worker, a sincere worker, and his promised appointment to the
diplomatic service, notwithstanding his youth, attested the fact that
he was unusual. "He takes an interest in his country's welfare,"
thought Helene, "and does not ignore it as does the world in which he
lives and moves. He is a patriot; he loves his country. He is
unselfish, too. A good-looking society man who is unselfish, what an
anomaly!" Helene felt rather grateful to the innocent cause of Beverly
Cruger's jealousy, and when he entered the room she greeted him with a
beaming smile.

"I am so pleased to see you," she said unaffectedly.

Von Barwig had a little paper parcel in his hand. He carefully removed
the paper, putting it in his pocket, and then held out a very tiny
bunch of violets.

"You are spoiling me," declared Helene, as she took them from him. She
had a large bouquet of orchids in her corsage, which she quickly
removed, and placed the violets there instead.

"I think violets are far prettier than orchids," she said.

Von Barwig looked rather dubious. He was pleased, but he doubted.

"Do sit down!" she said, and he went toward the piano. "Not at the
piano; here," said Helene, seating him beside her. "Now, listen to me,
sir! You must not bring me expensive flowers every time you call."

"They are not expensive," said Von Barwig with a smile. "It is the box
and the ribbon that costs. You may have observed that I avoided them
on this occasion."

"Well, what shall we talk about?" asked Helene, after a pause.

"Talk about?" repeated Von Barwig, slightly perplexed. "Our music
lesson!"

"Oh, I don't f