one who had lived more
in a day than she had ever lived in a life-time.

They said little during the last intermission, and the silence brought
them closer together than any words could have done.

"It takes a fellow back--all this," Quin roused himself to say in
half-apology.

"I know," said Eleanor.

They walked home in the autumn twilight in that exalted, romantic mood in
which a good play leaves one. Now that the tension was over, it was quite
possible to prolong the enjoyment by discussing the strong and weak
points of the performance. Eleanor was surprised to find that Quin, while
ignorant of the meaning of the word technic nevertheless had decided and
worth-while opinions about every detail, and that his comments were often
startlingly pertinent.

They reached the Bartletts' before they knew it, and Quin sighed
ruefully:

"I wish Miss Enid and Mr. Chester could get married every Wednesday! When
can I see you again?"

"Some time soon."

"To-morrow night?"

"I am afraid that's too soon."

"Friday?"

"No; I am going to a dance at the Country Club Friday night."

Still he lingered disconsolately on the lower step, unable to tear
himself away.

"Do you know," he said, gaining time by presenting a grievance, "you
never have danced with me but twice in your life?"

She looked at him dreamily.

"The funny thing is that I remember those two dances better than any I've
ever had with anybody else."

He came up the steps two at a time.

"What do you mean by that?" he demanded. "Are you joshing me?"

"No, honest. That New Year's eve with the blizzard raging outside, and
that bright crowded hall, and all you boys just home from France. Do you
remember the big blue parrots that swung in hoops from the chandeliers?
And that wonderful saxophone and the big bass drum!"

"Then it isn't _me_ that you remember? Just a darned old parrot hanging
on a hoop, and a saxophone and a drum!"

"You silly! Of course it's you too! I remember every single thing you
told me, and how terribly thrilled I was. This afternoon brought it all
back. I shall never forget this, either. Not as long as I live!"

She started to put out her hand; but, seeing the look in Quin's eyes, she
reconsidered and opened the door instead.

"So long," she said casually. "I'll probably see you sometime next week.
In the meanwhile I'll be good to granny!"

CHAPTER 22

When Eleanor reached the Country Clu