followed the crews, but without that fevered intensity
which marked some other glances.

"By all means," he answered. "But why, particularly, just now? I was
beginning to fancy myself young under the stress of present
circumstances."

"Because even if one continues to keep one's emotions
creditably--effervescent--one loses early the single-minded glow of
contest."

"A single-minded glow is a thing that should be retained, even at
considerable cost."

"And what is worse yet, one grows critical about language," she
continued calmly, "and gives free rein to a naturally unpleasant
disposition under cover of a refined and sensitive taste."

Ellis Arnold smiled tolerantly.

"They are pretty sure to keep their lead now," he said. "The other boat
is more than a length behind, and losing. They are not pulling badly,
either," he added. "You were saying?"--and he turned towards her for the
first time since the start.

She was a handsome blonde-haired woman, perfectly dressed, with the seal
of distinction set upon features, figure, and expression.

"That was what I was saying," she replied, "that the ones that are
behind are not pulling badly."

"More sphinx-like than ever," he murmured. "I perceive that you speak in
parables."

Miss Normaine laughed a little. The conversation was decidedly
intermittent. They dropped it entirely at times, and then took it up as
if there had been no pause. It was after a brief silence that she went
on: "But you and I can see both boats--the success, and the
disappointment too. And we can't, for the life of us, help feeling that
it's hard on those who have put forth all their strength for defeat."

"But it isn't so bad as if it were our boat that was behind," he said
sensibly.

"Oh, no; of course not. But I maintain that it injures the _fine fleur_
of enjoyment to remember that there are two participants in a contest."

"I suppose it is useless to expect you to be logical--"

"Quite. I know enough to be entirely sure I'd rather be picturesque."

"But let me assure you, that in desiring that there should be but one
participant in a contest, you are striking at the very root of all
successful athletic exhibitions."

She shrugged her shoulders a little.

"Oh, well, if you like to air your powers of irony at the expense of
such painful literalness!"

"The exuberance of my style has been pruned down to literalness by the
relentless shears of a cold world. With you, of course,"--but