closely at first, would make excellent spots in a
scheme of decoration. These rings were unusually chosen, and were more
artistic than extravagant. The one on her right hand was a small, subtle
cat's-eye surrounded by fine pearls. On her left hand were an
aquamarine, and a scarab that shone like the patina of an ancient
bronze. Almost without a pause he dashed at once at a scheme, which he
elucidated there and then, much to their overwhelming. He would pose her
on an Empire chair. In a blue and white Oriental vase on a high stand at
the side should be arranged three tall arum lilies amid some vivid
carnation blossoms. Why, the Nankin bowl on the mantelpiece was the very
thing! The background of the picture should be vague and of an
olive-grey tone, laid in with free brushwork, against which the masses
of creamy lace would show deliciously decorative. The great surmounting
coil of hair would give character to the whole scheme, and the lilies of
the valley in the velvet band afford a final contrast of lightness and
graciousness against the intense note of the coiffure.

The parents were radiant with pleasure, though poor Miss Robinson looked
more and more scared each instant. In her trepidation she could only
echo stammeringly the elder people's wonder at his great skill and
cleverness. The scheme unfolded itself before them richly beautiful--not
one of your dull black portraits, but a canvas glowing with exquisite
light and colour.

"There, Alice, you ought to be proud of yourself," said her father,
rallying her good-naturedly as a parting shot, when the women rose to
retire; and Wyndham attended their exit under the crimson hanging with
his most engaging air.

Left alone, the men drew their chairs to the fire, and Mr. Robinson
brought forward boxes of fragrant-smelling cigars, large and rotund. The
atmosphere of comfort enveloped Wyndham soothingly: the sense of
unlimited abundance seemed a miracle after his long privation.
Fortunately he had not been tempted to have his glass filled too often:
he had appreciated all these good and luscious things with commendable
moderation, and had been stimulated to brilliancy without losing cool
command of himself. He lighted his cigar at the little silver smoker's
lamp that just then came in with the coffee, and, as he puffed, a
splendid warm feeling of well-being took possession of him. He helped
himself to cream and sugar with the masterful calm and something of the
gesture of