ul and almost outrageously self-possessed.

Within the music-room there was a moment's silence. Then Paul Lane said:

"Delightful creature!"

"Yes," said Mrs. Mansfield. "Adelaide is delightful. And why? She always
thinks of herself, lives for herself. She wouldn't put herself out for
anyone. I've known her for years and would never go to her in a
difficulty or trust her with a confidence. And yet I delight in her. I
think it's because she's so entirely herself."

"She's a darling!" said Lane. "She's so preposterously human, in her
way, and yet she's always distinguished. And she's so clever as well as
so ignorant. I love that combination. Even on a yacht she never seems
to have a bad day."

Charmian looked at Claude Heath, who was silent. She was wondering
whether he meant to call in Grosvenor Square, whether he would ever set
sail with Mrs. Shiffney on _The Wanderer_.

CHAPTER III

When Max Elliot came back they gathered round the fire, no longer split
up into duets, and the conversation was general. Heath joined in
frequently, and with the apparent eagerness which was evidently
characteristic of him. He had facility in speaking, great quickness of
utterance, and energy of voice. When he listened he suggested to
Charmian a mind so alive as to be what she called "on the pounce." He
had an odd air of being swayed, carried away, by what those around him
were saying, even by what they were thinking, as if something in his
nature demanded to acquiesce. Yet she fancied that he was secretly
following his own line of thought with a persistence that was almost
cold.

Lane led the talk at first, and displayed less of his irony than usual.
He was probably not a happy man, though he never spoke of being unhappy.
His habitual expression was of discontent, and he was too critical of
life, endeavor, character, to be easily satisfied. But to-night he
seemed in a softer mood than usual. Perhaps he had an object in seeming
so. He was a man very curious in the arts. Elliot, who knew him well,
was conscious that something in Heath's personality had made a strong
impression upon him, and thought he was trying to create a favorable
atmosphere in the hope that music might come of it. If this was so, he
labored in vain. And soon doubtless he knew it. For he, too, pleaded
another engagement, and, like Mrs. Shiffney, got up to go.

Directly the door shut behind him Charmian was conscious of relief and
excitement. She even, a