I don't see that it would do any good for
you to go stirring up any memories about the old Lee that was shot
'somewhere in France.'"

When Farris had to go and claim a dance, Lee watched him with eyes soft
with affection. Then he, too, left the room and went back to the outer
door, to his old spot, looking for Judith.

"The only thing I want is right here," he repeated softly.

He watched Farris join Marcia and Judith. He noted the eager
excitement in Marcia's eyes, saw her turn impulsively to Farris. The
artist shook his head and left them, ostensibly going in search of his
partner. Marcia was speaking excitedly to Judith. Lee frowned.

Once more that night he held Judith in his arms. He meant to make
amends for his brusque way with her before. But again the magic of her
presence was like a glorious mist, shutting them in together, shutting
all of the world out. They spoke little and the music had its will
with them. Judith did not know that she sighed as the dance ended.
She seemed moving in a dream as Lee led her through the door. They
were out in the courtyard, the stars shining softly down on them. In
the subdued light here he stood still, looking down into her
pleasure-flushed face. Again the insistent tremor shot down his blood.

Here in this tender light she looked to him the masterpiece of God
striving for the perfect in a woman's form. Her gown, gently stirred
by the warm breeze, seemed a part of her, elusive, alive, feminine.
The milk-white of bare throat and shoulder and rounded arm, the rise
and fall of her breast, the soft lure of her eyes, the tender smile
upon her lips, drew him slowly closer, closer to her. She lifted her
face a little, raising her eyes until they shone straight into his.

"Judith," he said very quietly, very gravely, making her wonder at the
tone and the words to follow: "You have had your way with me to-night.
Do you understand all that means? And now--I am going to have my way
with you!"

He caught her in his arms, crushed her to him, kissed her. Then he let
her go and stood, stern-faced, watching her.

For a moment he thought that the hand at her side was rising to strike
him full in the face. But he did not move.

Had such been Judith's intention, suddenly it changed.

"So," she cried softly, "this is the sort of fine gentleman into which
a dress-suit has made Bud Lee, horse foreman! For so great an honor
surely any woman would thank him!"

She made