. On most days I satisfy
myself with the feeling of freedom, and live as poorly as ever I did.
Still, don't suppose that I am bent on making my money last a very long
time. I can imagine myself spending it all in a week or two, and
feeling I had its worth. The only question is, how can I get most
enjoyment? The very best of a lifetime may come within a single day.
Indeed, I believe it very often does."

"I doubt that--at least, I know that it couldn't be so with me."

"Well, what do you aim at?" Hilliard asked disinterestedly.

"Safety," was the prompt reply.

"Safety? From what?"

"From years of struggle to keep myself alive, and a miserable old age."

"Then you might have said--a safety-match."

The jest, and its unexpectedness, struck sudden laughter from Eve.
Hilliard joined in her mirth.

After that she suggested, "Hadn't we better go?"

"Yes. Let us walk quietly on. The streets are pleasant after sunset."

On rising, after he had paid the bill, Hilliard chanced to see himself
in a mirror. He had flushed cheeks, and his hair was somewhat
disorderly. In contrast with Eve's colourless composure, his appearance
was decidedly bacchanalian; but the thought merely amused him.

They crossed Holborn, and took their way up Southampton Row, neither
speaking until they were within sight of Russell Square.

"I like this part of London," said Hilliard at length, pointing before
him. "I often walk about the squares late at night. It's quiet, and the
trees make the air taste fresh."

"I did the same, sometimes, when I lived in Gower Place."

"Doesn't it strike you that we are rather like each other in some
things?"

"Oh, yes!" Eve replied frankly. "I have noticed that."

"You have? Even in the lives we have led there's a sort of resemblance,
isn't there?"

"Yes, I see now that there is."

In Russell Square they turned from the pavement, and walked along the
edge of the enclosure.

"I wish Patty had been with us," said Eve all at once. "She would have
enjoyed it so thoroughly."

"To be sure she would. Well, we can dine again, and have Patty with us.
But, after all, dining in London can't be quite what it is in Paris. I
wish you hadn't gone back to work again. Do you know what I should have
proposed?"

She glanced inquiringly at him.

"Why shouldn't we all have gone to Paris for a holiday? You and Patty
could have lived together, and I should have seen you every day."

Eve laughed.

"Why not? Patty a