ively on his slender brown hand.

"Well, yes, rather. But I don't care for novels as a rule. I don't
understand them. The hero of this book, now--do you believe that a man
in love would act as he did?"

"I don't know," said Violet amusedly. "You ought to be a better judge
than I. You are a man."

"I have never loved anybody, so I am in no position to decide," said
Spencer.

There was as little self-consciousness in his voice as if he were
telling her a fact concerning the Loon Lake trouble. Violet rose to
the occasion.

"You have an interesting experience to look forward to," she said.

Spencer turned his deep-set grey eyes squarely upon her.

"I don't know that. When I said I had never loved, I meant more than
the love of a man for some particular woman. I meant love in every
sense. I do not know what it is to have an affection for any human
being. My parents died before I can remember. My only living relative
was a penurious old uncle who brought me up for shame's sake and
kicked me out on the world as soon as he could. I don't make friends
easily. I have a few acquaintances whom I like, but there is not a
soul on earth for whom I care, or who cares for me."

"What a revelation love will be to you when it comes," said Violet
softly. Again he looked into her eyes.

"Do you think it will come?" he asked.

Before she could reply Mrs. Hill pounced upon them. Violet was wanted
to sing. Mr. Spencer would excuse her, wouldn't he? Mr. Spencer did so
obligingly. Moreover, he got up and bade his hostess good night.
Violet gave him her hand.

"You will call again?" she said.

Spencer looked across at Madison--perhaps it was accidental.

"I think not," he said. "If, as you say, love will come some time, it
would be a very unpleasant revelation if it came in hopeless guise,
and one never knows what may happen."

Miss Thayer was conscious of a distinct fluttering of her heart as she
went across to the piano. This was a new sensation for her, and worthy
of being analyzed. After the M.P.s had gone she asked Mrs. Hill who
Mr. Spencer was.

"Oh, John Spencer," said Mrs. Hill carelessly. "He's at the head of
the Land Office here. That's really all I know about him. Jack says he
is a downright good fellow and all that, you know. But he's no earthly
good in a social way; he can't talk or he won't. He's flat. So
different from Mr. Madison, isn't he?"

"Very," said Violet emphatically.

After Mrs. Hill had gone out Vi