it was books."

"Wrong; they were never mentioned."

"Then I shall have to give up, for I do not remember any other subjects
she talks about."

"Yet it was the most natural topic imaginable--yourself."

"You were discussing me? Why, how did that happen?"

"Very simply, and I was wholly to blame. To be perfectly honest, Miss
Naida, I attended the dance to-night for no other object than to meet
you again. But I had argued myself into the belief that you were Miss
Spencer. The discovery of my mistake merely intensified my
determination to learn who you really were. With this purpose, I
interviewed Miss Spencer, and during the course of our conversation the
facts of my first meeting with you became known."

"You told her how very foolish I acted?"

"I told her how deeply interested I had become in your outspoken
manner."

"Oh! And she exclaimed, 'How romantic!'"

"Possibly; she likewise took occasion to suggest that you were merely a
child, and seemed astonished that I should have given you a second
thought."

"Why, I am eighteen."

"I told her I believed you to be of that age, and she ignored my
remark. But what truly surprised both of us was, how you happened to
know my name."

The girl did not attempt to answer, and she was thankful enough that
there was not sufficient light to betray the reddening of her cheeks.

"And you do not mean, even now, to make clear the mystery?" he asked.

"Not--now," she answered, almost timidly. "It is nothing much, only I
would rather not now."

The sudden sound of voices and laughter in the street beneath brought
them both to their feet.

"Why, they are coming across to supper," she exclaimed, in surprise.
"How long we have been here, and it has seemed scarcely a moment! I
shall certainly be in for a scolding, Lieutenant Brant; and I fear your
only means of saving me from being promptly sent home in disgrace will
be to escort me in to supper."

"A delightful punishment!" He drew her hand through his arm, and said:
"And then you will pledge me the first dance following?"

"Oh, you must n't ask me. Really, I have not been on the floor
to-night; I am not in the mood."

"Do you yield to moods?"

"Why, of course I do. Is it not a woman's privilege? If you know me
long it will be to find me all moods."

"If they only prove as attractive as the particular one swaying you
to-night, I shall certainly have no cause for complaint. Come, Miss
Naida, please cu