sense of loneliness.

Suddenly an overwhelming desire to be with Ilse seized her, and she
would have called a taxi and started immediately, except for the dread
that Jim might telephone in her absence.

Yet, she didn't know what it was that she wanted of him, except to
protest at his attitude toward her. Such a protest was due them
both--an appeal in behalf of the friendship which meant so much to
her--which, she had abruptly discovered, meant far more to her than
she supposed.

At midnight she telephoned to Ilse. A sleepy maid replied that Miss
Westgard had not yet returned.

So Palla called a taxi, pinned on her hat and struggled into her fur
coat, and, taking her latch-key, started for Ilse's apartment, feeling
need of her in a blind sort of way--desiring to listen to her friendly
voice, touch her, hear her clear, sane laughter.

A yawning maid admitted her. Miss Westgard had dined out with Mr.
Estridge, but had not yet returned.

So Palla, wondering a little, laid aside her coat and went into the
pretty living room.

There were books and magazines enough, but after a while she gave up
trying to read and sat staring absently at a photograph of Estridge in
uniform, which stood on the table at her elbow.

Across it was an inscription, dated only a few days back: "To Ilse
from Jack, on the road to Asgard."

Then, as she gazed at the man's handsome features, for the first time
a vague sense of uneasiness invaded her.

Of a gradually growing comradeship between these two she had been
tranquilly aware. And yet, now, it surprised her to realise that their
comradeship had drifted into intimacy.

Lying back in her armchair, her thoughts hovered about these two; and
she went back in her mind to recollect something of the beginning of
this intimacy;--and remembered various little incidents which, at the
time, seemed of no portent.

And, reflecting, she recollected now what Ilse had said to her after
the last party she had given--and which Palla had not understood.

What had Ilse meant by asking her to "wait"? Wait for what?... Where
was Ilse, now? Why did she remain out so late with John Estridge? It
was after one o'clock.

Of course they must be dancing somewhere or other. There were plenty
of dances to go to.

Palla stirred restlessly in her chair. Evidently Ilse had not told her
maid that she meant to be out late, for the girl seemed to have
expected her an hour ago.

Palla's increasing restlessness fin