you," said Anthony. "I know I've dropped out of
things lately, and the world goes pretty fast, but I'd hate people to
talk about you." He felt himself flushing, and went on jerkily: "I
mean, I don't honestly know what's done nowadays and what isn't. If
you're quite easy ... you see, I'm older than you," he added
desperately.

There was a little silence. Then--

"Don't stop," said Andre, with a mischievous smile. "I've never been
lectured by a monk before. Besides, I collect points of view."

"Is mine extraordinary?"

"An exceptionally rare specimen. I shall always treasure it." She
produced a cigarette case. "May I smoke a cigarette? Or is that also
against the rules?"

Without a word Anthony struck a match....

"Thanks," said the lady. She unbuttoned her coat. "It's nice and warm
in here," she added comfortably. "Oh, please don't look so
reproachful! I just can't bear it. I'm not doing anything wrong, and
it makes me feel awful. Of course, if you don't want me..."

"You know it isn't that," he protested. "I only thought possibly--I
mean..." He broke off helplessly and touched the back of a chair.
"Wouldn't you like to sit down?"

"Shall you sit down if I do?" Anthony shook his head. "Then I shan't
either. I'd much rather stand." And, with that, my lady set her back
against the side of the fireplace and crossed her shapely ankles.

It must be confessed that she made an arresting picture. Mean as the
light was, it woke the luminous beauty of her auburn hair; a sprinkling
of freckles gave to her exquisite complexion a jolly look; the bright
brown eyes and the merry mouth were those of a Bacchante. Above her
plain black frock her throat and chest showed dazzling white; below,
the black silk stockings shone with a lustre which was not that of silk
alone; over all, the voluminous mink coat framed her from head to toe
with a rich luxury.

"And how," said Andre, "is Gramarye? Have you finished the bridge?"

Anthony stared at her.

"How did you know?" he said.

Miss Strongi'th'arm shrugged her fair shoulders.

"What does it matter?" she said. "Let's talk about something else--if
you can. Have you thought over what I said? No. I can see you
haven't. Well, well.... Have you laughed since we met?"

"I--I don't think I have."

"Ah.... Why not?"

"There's been nothing to laugh at. The work's big--serious."

"Wasn't the War serious?"

Anthony crossed to the hearth and kicked a