ver to the eyes of the infatuated Boy who watched her. He
was fighting desperately for self-control, but if she should look at
him as she had looked sometimes--!

"I can't understand it!" she exclaimed. "I always knew I was capable of
being foolish--wicked, perhaps--for a _grande passion_. I could forgive
myself that, I think! But for a mere caprice--a _penchant_ like this!
Oh, Paul! what can you think of me?"

His voice was hoarse--heavy with emotion.

"Think of you, Opal? I am sure you must know what I think. I've never
had an opportunity to tell you--in so many words--but you must have seen
what I have certainly taken no pains to conceal. Shall I try to tell
you, Opal?"

"No, no! I don't want to hear a word--not a word! Do you understand? I
forbid you!"

Paul bowed deferentially. She laughed nervously at the humility in his
obeisance.

"Don't be ridiculous!" she commanded. "This is growing too melodramatic,
and I hate a scene. But, really, Paul, you mustn't--simply mustn't!
There are reasons--conditions--and--you must not tell me, and I must
not, _will_ not listen!"

"I mustn't make love to you, you mean?"

"I mean ... just that!"

"Why not?"

"Never mind the 'why.' There are plenty of good and sufficient reasons
that I might give if I chose, but--I don't choose! The only reason that
you need to know is--that I forbid you!"

She turned away with that regal air of hers that made one forget her
child-like stature.

"Are you going, Opal?"

"Yes!--what did I come out here for? I can't remember. Do you know?"

"To wish me good-night, of course! And you haven't done it!"

She looked back over her shoulder, a mocking laugh in those inscrutable
eyes. Then she turned and held out both hands to him.

"Good-night, Paul, good-night!... You seem able to do as you please with
me, in spite of--everything--and I just want to stay in your arms
forever--forever ..."

Paul caught her to him, and their lips melted in a clinging kiss.

At last she drew away from his embrace.

"The glitter of the moonlight and the music of the wind-maddened waves
must have gone to my brain!" She laughed merrily, pulled his face down
to hers for a last swift kiss, and ran from him before he could detain
her.

* * * * *

The next morning they met for a brief moment alone.

Opal shook hands with the Boy in her most perfunctory manner.

Paul, after a moment's silent contemplation of her troubled