the mantel, whilst he drew a chair for
himself to the opposite corner of the fire. The great emerald gleamed
through a dainty cloud of smoke.

"It is lovely here," she said at last. "Such moments as these are the
happiest of my life. One's nature must rebel sometimes against being
driven along the prescribed lines. There are sides to one's soul,
absolutely unallowed for in the ordinary scheme of civilized
existence. But instead of letting me moralise, you might be saying
some nice things."

"About what?"

"About me, of course."

"Oh! I am enjoying the spectacle you present."

"I built a palace in the air, and, lo and behold! it has proved to be
a real palace. I went up to my room to-night and was feeling fanciful
and sentimental, which means, of course, I was thinking about you. And
then I imagined this whole scene--only a little different; I in this
dress, and you at my feet, worshipping me and calling me all
sorts of sweet names. And I was coy and held back!"

She paused a moment and laughed merrily.

"Of course," she went on, "I could not resist putting on the costume
in order to get nearer the real feeling of such a scene, and it was so
delicious that I at once wrapped myself up and come here in a cab. The
maid told me you were not expected till late. It's very amusing, by
the way--that girl really believes I'm your sister! So I made a
descent on dear, stupid Laura--the admirer of your sweet-little-girl
poem--and whiled away an hour or so. All muffled up, of course. Her
heart's weak, you know. Then I strolled back here. And now my
imaginary scene is being enacted. Not exactly as I imagined it, but I
know the realities of existence and the usual tragic fate of
expectations, and so I have reason to feel ecstatic over the result.
Besides, I think I really do look very nice. The contractor for the
clay must accidentally have supplied a little of the first quality at
the time I was made. He must have torn his hair on finding out the
mistake. Come, Morgan, kiss me on the forehead."

She put the cigarette on the mantel, prettily blew away the smoke, and
held her two splendid arms towards him. But he did not move.

"I'll even put on the veil and keep my hands behind me, like a good
child."

"Helen! Please," he protested.

"Forgive me," she said, and there was a strain of pathos in her voice.
"For the moment I forgot my promise--I was fancying this was a mere
continuation of my vision. But I shall not do it ag