he flames; ay, even
through the cold, grey, dead ashes, when these are all that remain of
the dancing passion-fires that have revelled and rioted themselves to
exhaustion and oblivion.

On the evening of the reception at John Royce Pederstone's, Phil
failed to land home from work at his usual time, and, as the hour drew
near when they should be leaving, Jim Langford worried himself not a
little, for he knew that Phil had received an invitation--the same as
he had done--and he had noticed also how happy his friend had seemed
over it. Of course, of the recognition at the smithy between Eileen
and Phil he knew nothing, and even if he had known he would not have
understood, for, so far, he had not even guessed at Phil's previous
history nor at the connection there was between Phil and Graham
Brenchfield.

Before going up to Pederstone's, Jim called at the smithy, but found
the place closed up for the night. He hurried along to Sol Hanson's
little home, but the lovebirds there could tell him no more than that
Phil had quit work at the accustomed hour, that Smiler was also a
truant; which made it possible that the two had gone off together on
some boyish adventure. There was nothing left for Jim to do after that
but to go to Royce Pederstone's alone, in the hope that Phil would be
there or would show up later.

Everyone in Vernock of any importance was at the reception, in the
company of his wife or sweetheart; but there was no sign of Phil. And
the hours wore quickly on without his appearing.

Eileen--bright, blushing, buoyant and busy--found time to corner Jim.

"What has happened to Mr. Ralston? I--I thought he would be sure to be
here."

Jim thought her tone was just a little strained and that her colour
went somewhat suddenly.

"I haven't the slightest idea! He didn't show up to-night at home; yet
he has been aching for this little affair since he received your
invitation."

"Oh, I--I hardly think so, Jim. He is not the man to ache much over
this kind of thing. You don't suppose anything serious could have
happened?" she asked with a show of anxiety.

"I don't. But I'm sure only something serious would keep him away.
However,--what's the good of worrying!--Phil can look out for himself
pretty good."

"Yes,--I daresay!" she said absently, staring at the dancers as they
glided round in the next room.

Jim put his hand on her arm and moved her round to him.

"Eileen,--what is it that is troubling you? You a