d my allegiance. Indeed, I am sure that she had no deep
feeling of injured pride where I was concerned. Such after acidity as
she sometimes showed was directed against the foolish part I had played
with her and my action in subsequent events; it did not proceed from
personal feeling or self-value.

Some time after this meeting I saw Boyd Madras issue from the
companion-way dressed as a Greek. He wore a false beard, and carried
off well his garments of white and scarlet and gold--a very striking
and presentable man. He came slowly forward, looking about him steadily,
and, seeing me, moved towards me. But for his manner I should scarcely
have recognised him. A dance was beginning; but many eyes were turned
curiously, and even admiringly, to him; for he looked singular and
impressive and his face was given fulness by a beard and flesh paints.
I motioned him aside where there was shadow, and said: "Well, you have
determined to see her?"

"Yes," he said; "and I wish you, if you will, to introduce me to her as
Mr. Charles Boyd.

"You still think this wise?" I asked.

"It is my earnest wish. I must have an understanding to-night." He
spoke very firmly, and showed no excitement. His manner was calm and
gentlemanly.

He had a surprising air of decision. Supporting an antique character, he
seemed for the moment to have put on also something of antique strength
of mind, and to be no longer the timid invalid. "Then, come with me," I
answered.

We walked in silence for a few minutes, and then, seeing where Mrs.
Falchion was, we advanced to her. The next dance on her programme was
mine. In my previous dance with her we had talked as we now did at
table--as we did the first hour I met her--impersonally, sometimes (I
am bold to say) amusingly. Now I approached her with apologies for being
late. The man beside her took his leave. She had only just glanced at
me at first, but now she looked at my companion, and the look stayed,
curious, bewildered.

"It is fitting," I said, "that Greek meet Greek--that Menelaus should be
introduced to Helen. May I say that when Helen is not Helen she is Mrs.
Falchion, and when Menelaus is not Menelaus he is--Mr. Charles Boyd."

I am afraid my voice faltered slightly, because there came over me
suddenly a nervousness as unexpected as it was inconvenient, and my
words, which began lightly, ended huskily. Had Madras miscalculated this
woman?

Her eyes were afire, and her face was as pale as marb