the fire, where she proceeded to warm
herself, while Stubbs stood in the middle of the floor and followed the
proceedings of Leon with mild astonishment in his eyes.

"You should see them by daylight," said the artist.

"I promise myself that pleasure," said Leon. "You possess, sir, if you
will permit me an observation, the art of composition to a T."

"You are very good," returned the other. "But should you not draw nearer
to the fire?"

"With all my heart," said Leon.

And the whole party was soon gathered at the table over a hasty and not
an elegant cold supper, washed down with the least of small wines.
Nobody liked the meal, but nobody complained; they put a good face upon
it, one and all, and made a great clattering of knives and forks. To see
Leon eating a single cold sausage was to see a triumph; by the time he
had done he had got through as much pantomime as would have sufficed for
a baron of beef, and he had the relaxed expression of the over-eaten.

As Elvira had naturally taken a place by the side of Leon, and Stubbs as
naturally, although I believe unconsciously, by the side of Elvira, the
host and hostess were left together. Yet it was to be noted that they
never addressed a word to each other, nor so much as suffered their eyes
to meet. The interrupted skirmish still survived in ill-feeling; and the
instant the guests departed it would break forth again as bitterly as
ever. The talk wandered from this to that subject--for with one accord
the party had declared it was too late to go to bed; but those two never
relaxed towards each other; Goneril and Regan in a sisterly tiff were
not more bent on enmity.

It chanced that Elvira was so much tired by all the little excitements
of the night, that for once she laid aside her company manners, which
were both easy and correct, and in the most natural manner in the world
leaned her head on Leon's shoulder. At the same time, fatigue suggesting
tenderness, she locked the fingers of her right hand into those of her
husband's left; and, half-closing her eyes, dozed off into a golden
borderland between sleep and waking. But all the time she was not
unaware of what was passing, and saw the painter's wife studying her
with looks between contempt and envy.

It occurred to Leon that his constitution demanded the use of some
tobacco; and he undid his fingers from Elvira's in order to roll a
cigarette. It was gently done, and he took care that his indulgence
should