tary leaders of Germany, and unhappily
I know too the spirit that dominates the whole body of the German
people."

"You lived in Germany for some years?"

"Yes, for a number of years."

"And did you like the life there?"

"In many ways I did. I met some charming Germans, and then there is
always their superb music."

And for an hour Jack Romayne gave his listener a series of vivid
pictures of his life in Germany and in other lands for the past ten
years, mingling with personal reminiscences incidents connected with
international politics and personages. He talked well, not only because
his subject was a part of himself, but also because Jane possessed that
rare ability to listen with intelligence and sympathy. Never had she met
with a man who had been in such intimate touch with the world's Great
Affairs and who was possessed at the same time of such brilliant powers
of description.

Before either of them was aware the party from the mine had returned.

"We have had a perfectly glorious time," cried Nora as she entered the
room with her cheeks and eyes glowing.

"So have we, Miss Nora," said Jack. "In fact, I had not the slightest
idea of the flight of time."

"You may say so," exclaimed Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. "These two have been so
utterly absorbed in each other that my presence in the room or absence
from it was a matter of perfect indifference. And how Jane managed it
I don't know, but she got Jack to do for her what he has never done for
me. He has actually been giving her the story of his life."

Jane stood by listening with a smile of frank delight on her face.

"How did you do it, Jane?" asked Kathleen shyly. "He has never told me."

"Oh, I just listened," said Jane.

"That's a nasty jar for you others," said Nora.

"But he told me something else, Kathleen," said Jane with a bright
blush, "and I am awfully glad." As she spoke she went around to Kathleen
and, kissing her, said, "It is perfectly lovely for you both."

"Oh, you really mean that, do you?" said Jack. "You know she was
exceedingly dubious of me this morning."

"Well, I am not now," said Jane. "I know you better, you see."

"Thank God," said Jack fervently. "The day has not been lost. You will
be sure to come again to see me," he added as Jane said good-bye.

"Yes, indeed, you may be quite sure of that," replied Jane, smiling
brightly back at him as she left the room with Nora.

"What a pity she is so plain," said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt w