ly and casually, that she knew she
had dreamed it all--that he would go out of her life at the stage door.

"Coming around later?" she asked.

"Yes."

She nodded and disappeared. When half an hour later she darted out on
the stage before an enraptured audience, he found himself a part of the
mob spirit which acclaimed her. Her charm was irresistible. He felt her
as an artist, not as a woman, but she moved him keenly by her masterly
performance. As the audience filed out he went into a nearby florist and
bought the entire stock of Killarney roses. He carried them to her
dressing-room, and when the maid admitted him, he dropped the mass in
her lap.

"For a wild Irish rose," said he.

"Faith, little sisters, he's an Irishman himself," she laughed, burying
her face in the bloom.

They were interrupted by the manager, people to see her on various
pretexts. Trent was driven into the ugly corridor. He was for the first
time somewhat irritated by the situation. Appendage to a star! Had he
for once in his carefully planned life completely lost his head, and
risked everything on a wild gamble? When she came toward him, ready for
the street, he pulled himself together.

"Where shall we go? Do you mind the cafes?"

"People stare so, I seldom go. But it is all right to-night, if you do
not mind that."

"Let's go to the Persian Garden and dance."

"All right."

Trent had never been in any public place with her, and he was totally
unprepared for the effect she produced. As they followed the head waiter
to a table, a noticeable whisper ran round the room, then silence. Then
a youth, who had courage as well as champagne aboard, rose and lifted
his glass.

"On your feet, all of you! To Bob, God bless her!"

With laughter everybody responded. Trent, slightly amused, secretly
annoyed, watched Bob's expression. First astonishment, then concern for
him, then genuine pleasure. They were not yet seated, so she lifted an
imaginary glass to them.

"Thank you, friends. Here's to a short life and a merry one for us
all!"

Applause greeted her, and as they took their seats she turned to Trent
impulsively.

"I'm so sorry," she said; "you hate it, of course, but don't. It's only
because they really love me."

"Suppose we don't try to explain things to each other, my lady."

The music began, and he rose and held out his hand to her. She had not
danced with him before, so when he swung her away with the ease of a
master, she h