r a
moment he held firmly in his.

She hardly knew him, so altered was he in appearance. He wore a neat
business suit, with derby hat and gloves. His hair trimmed and carefully
brushed, was more wavy and glossy than usual, and a close shave threw
into still greater relief the academic outline of his features. The
change was so remarkable that at first she hardly recognized him. But
when she heard the familiar rich tones of his deep, manly voice, no
further doubt was possible.

"I've come to say good-by," he said, with a smile.

"What a change!" she exclaimed, with an effort to appear light-hearted
and at ease.

He made no answer for a moment, embarrassed as to what to say. Then he
replied:

"Yes--I do look a little different, don't I? It's wonderful what clothes
will do. No wonder they are the world's only standard!"

"Come and sit here and tell me about it."

She led the way to the low recess at the bay-window, and, sinking down
on the cushions, she motioned him to take a seat opposite.

"Tell me," she repeated, "what good fairy has worked this
transformation?"

He smiled as he replied:

"Things have changed a little for the better."

"You mean that you have found more lucrative and congenial employment?"

He hesitated, not willing to lie to her. Yet, after all, it was the
truth. His new position was decidedly more lucrative.

"Yes," he replied, after a pause. "More lucrative--more congenial."

Grace was puzzled. His answers were vague. He was hiding something from
her. Perhaps he thought her questions impertinent. After all, what right
had she to question him?

"I'm pleased--for your sake," she answered, rather haughtily.

Armitage was quick to notice the difference in her tone, and intuitively
he divined the reason.

"For my sake?" he echoed. "Why should you care?"

"I shall always be glad to hear that you are prospering and--happy," she
answered.

He looked into her eyes without speaking. There was a melancholy,
wistful expression in his face. He seemed to want to say something and
did not dare. Embarrassed by the continuity of his fixed gaze, she
averted her head and looked out of the window over into the park, where
the nurses and children were playing on the green lawns. There was a
silence that was almost painful. At last he broke it.

"You will be happy," he said. "One day you will be a Princess!"

Grace sighed. With a forced laugh she said:

"Happiness! What is happiness? We are al