riguer."

"I am interested in the women that are interested in the improvement of
all things."

"And what is their ultimate aim, for heaven's sake? The franchise. Do
you mean to tell me that you intend to become a Club woman? I had sooner
you wrote a book."

"I have no intention of doing either--"

"In other words you are a plain dreamer, and a selfish one at that--"

"I try not to be selfish. I visit no ill-humor on any one--but you!--and
I do good where I can. I should be more selfish if I ran the risk of
making--some man unhappy in matrimony."

"Well, I'm sick of the subject. I came to say good-bye for a time. I'm
off to the south to-morrow, and then east on business. I don't know when
I shall be back--Oh, you can turn white--I can make you turn white!"

"What do you expect when you fire such a piece of news at me? What is
behind this?"

"I have told you enough."

"Don't you trust me?"

"Oh, you can keep a secret. I don't know that I want to tell you."

"Very well."

"Oh, well, it would be beastly ungrateful in me not to. I have had a
hint that, not having de-Americanized myself formally when I came of
age, I may still be an American citizen. Judge Leslie has advised me to
go to Washington and find out, and I am going. Are you really so
interested?"

"Oh yes," said Isabel, softly. "I am interested! I have been afraid you
might become discouraged and disgusted. Four more years would be a long
time. Are you glad?"

"I don't know whether I am or not. When it comes to taking the oath of
allegiance to the United States--if that is sprung on me in
Washington--I shall feel more like taking the next steamer for England
and making my oaths there. It is a little too sudden."

"All this hesitation and doubt are natural enough until you are settled
down, and become too accustomed to the country to think of anything
else--"

"I accept the balm. But I have less hesitation than you
imagine--whatever the doubt and disgust. And I really believe the secret
of my unrest is you! Good heavens! _Do_ I love you--_already_--that
would be the last straw!"

He was staring at her, and something in his face blinded her. She turned
cold from head to foot; but she moved her glance to the baskets on the
mantel-shelf, and replied, quietly:

"It will take some time for you to know whether you are in love again
or not. You have seen me too constantly--barring the last month. I have
become in many ways necessary to you. When y