o identify me with any place or
profession. I've been in trouble. I'm in trouble still. Had you no
letter from me this morning?"

"No."

"That is disquieting news. I posted a letter to you last night. You
should have had it in your morning mail."

"No letter has come from you. I had no letters at all in the morning
mail, and only one or two important business letters since."

"Then I'm deeply worried. I shall have to see you unless that letter
is delivered to you by evening."

"Splendid! But you'll have to come to me, Thessa. I've invited a few
people to dine here and dance afterwards. If you'll dine with us, I'll
get another man to balance the table. Will you?"

After a moment she said:

"Yes. What time?"

"Eight! This is wonderful of you, Thessa!" he said excitedly. "If
you're in trouble we'll clear it up between us. I'm so happy that you
will give me this proof of friendship."

"You dear boy," she said in a troubled voice. "I should be more of a
friend if I kept away from you."

"Nonsense! You promise, don't you?"

"Yes ... Do you realise that to-night another summer moon is to
witness our reunion?... I shall come to you once more under a full
June moon.... And then, perhaps, no more.... Never.... Unless after
the world ends I come to you through shadowy outer space--a ghost
drifting--a shred of mist across the moon, seeking you once
more!----"

"My poor child," he said laughing, "you must be in no end of low
spirits to talk that way."

"It does sound morbid. But I have plenty of courage, Garry. I shall
not snivel on the starched bosom of your evening shirt when we meet.
Donc, a bientot, monsieur. Soyez tranquille! You shall not be ashamed
of me among your guests."

"Fancy!" he laughed happily. "Don't worry, Thessa. We'll fix up
whatever bothers you. Eight o'clock! Don't forget!"

"I am not likely to," she said.

* * * * *

Until Selinda returned from her foray along Fifth Avenue, Barres
remained in the studio, lying in his armchair, still possessed by the
delightful spell, still excited by the prospect of seeing Thessalie
Dunois again, here, under his own roof.

But when the slant-eyed and spotlessly blond Finn arrived, he came
back out of his retrospective trance.

"Did you get some pretty things for Miss Soane?" he enquired.

"Yess, sir, be-ootiful." Selinda deposited on the table a sheaf of
paid bills and the balance of the bank-notes. "Would Mr. Barres b