elf."

"I don't really think you ought to meet him," Karl said, but he spoke
without conviction. He suddenly yielded to a curiosity to see what might
come of a meeting between Elsa and Millar.

"I don't care; I'm going to hunt him up," she cried, jumping up and
scampering off.

Millar had gone into an anteroom leading out into the beautiful gardens.
A number of the company had assembled there as he entered, and it was
obvious from the instant silence which ensued that he had been the
subject of their discussion. This seemed to gratify his cynical humor,
and he looked the assembled men and women--society puppets--over with a
cynical grin. Elsa was among them, and toward her Millar bowed as he
said:

"I never knew this number of ladies could be so silent. I presume during
my absence you have been discussing me kindly."

The others did not speak, but Elsa turned boldly to Millar.

"Don't flatter yourself that I am afraid of you," she said. "I would say
to your face what these people only dare think. Indeed, I was just going
to look for you."

"It is just as well you are here; they might discuss you and your
approaching betrothal with Karl," Millar said.

"You--you know!" Elsa cried in astonishment.

The others seemed tremendously interested at the information Millar had
imparted, and Elsa was embarrassed. She knew the design of her friend
Olga in bringing her and Karl together, but she was not aware that it
was known to any one else. Millar smiled as he replied:

"Of course; they would throw you into his arms."

While the others who overheard laughed at this sally and Elsa blushed
furiously, Millar went close to her and said:

"I must speak to you alone. I will send these people away. Leave it to
me."

Elsa drew away and there was a silence in the room. The others began to
feel uncomfortable as Millar looked slowly from one to the other of
them. One or two essayed conversation, and his cutting, insolent replies
sent them scurrying from the room. In a few moments only he and Elsa
remained in the apartment. From the adjoining ballroom came the strains
of music and the sound of dancing and bright laughter. Millar looked at
Elsa.

"Now they are gone," he said.

"Are you not surprised that I did not go also?" she asked. "You offended
me, you know, but I stayed because I want to talk with you."

"How charming," Millar said with gentle sarcasm.

"Perhaps you know my nickname--Saucy Elsa?" said the girl warni