ld of investigation and discovery and the various
experiences which had befallen her in arriving at the present period
of mature knowledge; a proficiency which converted her chosen
researches into an exact science.

Thus meditating and dining--counting on her fingers twice over
the fair actresses who had become titled ladies, and enviously
disbelieving she would join that triumphant company--Susan was
still seated at the table some time later when the soldier glanced
in. Imperatively she motioned him to her side and he obeyed with
not entirely concealed reluctance, and was so preoccupied, she
rallied him upon his reserve.

"I believe you and Constance had a quarrel on the road." Maliciously.
"I hope you were more amiable than my companion. He hardly spoke a
word, and, when I left him"--her voice sank to a whisper--"I heard him
swear."

"He pleased you so much earlier in the day that a duel will probably
be the outcome."

Susan laughed gaily.

"A duel! Then my fortune is made. All the newspapers will contain
paragraphs. It is too good to be true." And she clapped her hands.
"When is it to take place? Tell me about it!"

Then noting his manner, she continued with an assumption of
plaintiveness: "Now you are cross with me! You think me heartless. Is
it my fault? I care nothing for either of them and I am not to be
blamed if they are so foolish. It might be different if either had
touched my heart." And she assumed a coquettish demeanor, while
Saint-Prosper coolly studied her through the wreaths of smoke from his
weed.

"You are wondering what sort of a person I am!" she continued,
merrily, raising her glass of wine with: "To unrequited passion!"

Her roguish face sparkled as he asked; "Whose?"

She drained the glass and set it down demurely. "Mine!"

The cigar was suspended; the veil cleared between them.

"For whom?" he said.

"You!" Offering him the limpid depths of her blue eyes. "Is my liking
returned?"

"Liking? Perhaps!"

"My love?"

"Love? No." Coldly.

"You do not fear a woman scorned?" Her lips curved in a smile,
displaying her faultless teeth.

"Not when the avenging angel is so charming and so heartless!" he
added satirically.

Her lashes veiled the azure orbs.

"You think to disarm her with a compliment? How well you understand
women!" And, as he rose, the pressure of the hand she gave him at
parting was lingering.

* * * * *

Above in hi