d the Count is very
anxious to see the new orchid, you know!"

There was a suggestion of reproof in Mrs. Ledoux's voice. The girl's
face clouded as she turned away in response to the summons. But she
threw the Boy a challenge over her shoulder--a hint of that mischief
that always seemed to lurk in the corner of her eye.

Paul bit his lip. He was not a boy to be played with, as Opal Ledoux
would find out. And he sulked in a corner, refusing to be conciliated,
until at last she re-entered the room, leaning on the Count's
"venerable" arm. She had doubtless been showing him the orchid. Humph!
What did that old reprobate know--or care--about orchids?

"A primrose by the river's brim,
A yellow primrose was to him,
And nothing more."

As the evening passed, there came to the Boy no further opportunity to
speak to Opal alone. She not only avoided him herself, but the entire
party seemed to have entered into a conspiracy to keep him from her. It
roused all the fight in his Slavic blood, and he determined not to be
outwitted by any such high-handed proceeding. He crossed the room and
boldly broke into the conversation of the group in which she stood.

"Miss Ledoux," he said, "pardon me, but as we are about to leave, I
must remind you of your promise to show me the new orchid. I am very
fond of orchids. May I not see it now?"

Opal had made no such promise, but as she looked up at him with an
instinctive denial, she met his eyes with an expression in their depths
she dared not battle. There was no knowing what this impetuous Boy might
say or do, if goaded too far.

"Please pardon my forgetfulness," she said, with a propitiating smile,
as she took his arm. "We will go and see it."

And the Boy smiled. He had not found his opportunity--he had made one!

With a malicious smile on his thin, wicked lips the Count de Roannes
watched them as they moved across the room toward the conservatory--this
pair so finely matched that all must needs admire.

It was rather amusing in _les enfants_, he told Ledoux, this "_Paul et
Virginie_" episode. Somewhat _bourgeois_, of course--but harmless, he
hoped. This with an expressive sneer. But--_mon Dieu!_--and there was a
sinister gleam in his evil eyes--it mustn't go too far! The girl was a
captivating little witch--the old father winced at the significance in
the tone--and she must have her fling! He rather admired her the more
for her _diablerie_--but she must be careful!