rching look; it may have suggested itself to Sanchia's open
mind at that instant that Helen was likely to prove a more troublesome
factor than she had counted on.

'If you don't mind,' Howard said with slow stubbornness, 'I'd like just
a few words with you and Miss Helen. Mrs. Murray came alone, and no
doubt would prefer to return alone.'

Sanchia's eyes flashed and she bit her lip. Then, though her words
came quickly, they were smooth and quiet and had a note of bantering
laughter in them.

'Dear me, we must all be tired and hungry like a lot of children who
have played too hard! We'll be quarrelling in another moment. But I
am not going to be so sensitive as to feel hurt and run off and cry; we
are too good friends for that, as you've just said, Mr. Longstreet.
And I did so want to ask you some questions; I sent right away for the
books you told me of, and I am simply mad over them. And I got one of
yours, too; the one on south-western desert formations. It is the most
splendid thing I ever read. But it is so erudite, so technical in
places. I was going to ask if you would explain certain parts of it to
me?'

'Delighted to,' ejaculated Longstreet. His old beaming cheeriness
enwrapped him like a rosy mist. 'Come in, come in. And you, too,
Alan.'

They entered, Sanchia with a sidelong look at Helen, Howard grave and
stubborn. Everything was in a state of confusion which Sanchia was
quick to mark, while Howard saw nothing of it. He saw only Helen
looking a far-off princess, cold and unapproachable. And only a few
minutes ago she had been just a winsome girl who leaned toward him,
whom he dared to hope he could gather up into his arms.

Helen's expression was one of set determination. She breathed quickly
and deeply. Her anger rose that her two guests had overridden her
expressed wish. She watched her father hand Sanchia a chair. She saw
them sit down together at the table, Longstreet beginning to talk
largely upon his hobby, Sanchia encouraging him with her sympathetic
smile and her pertinent questions. It appeared that Sanchia had really
read and understood and was interested.

'Papa,' said Helen quietly, though her voice shook a little, 'I suppose
that a time for very plain talking has come. We will never get
anywhere without it. I have shown Mrs. Murray as plainly as I could
that I don't trust her and further that I do not like her. She should
not come into my house. You should not ask