A consummation too horrible for
thought!

She could not enjoy herself at Peggy's function, that she knew. But she
must attend, if for no other reason than for appearance. The strange
regard for this officer, which she had discovered to be growing daily in
intensity and depth, had been brought to definite realization by the
sudden crisis in Stephen's fortunes. The sudden revelation of this truth
from which she was wont to recoil with petulant diffidence alarmed her
not a little. She must not allow herself to be perturbed over this
incident, and no one, not even her mother, must ever be permitted to
detect the slightest concern on her part.

"You seem unusually preoccupied this evening, Mistress Allison,"
remarked Mr. Anderson as he led her to one side of the room at the
conclusion of the dance.

Marjorie started. She could feel herself coloring into a deep scarlet,
which endured the more as she strove desperately to retain her natural
composure.

"I? Why? No! Did I appear absent-minded?"

"As if sojourning in some far off land."

She thought for a moment.

"We all inhabit dream countries."

"True. We do. And there is no swifter vehicle to that fair land than an
inattentive companion."

"You mean----"

"That I am entirely at fault for allowing you to wander there."

"You are unkind to yourself to say that."

"I vow I mean it."

They neared the settee into which he gallantly assisted her. She made
room for him by drawing back the folds of her gown.

"Have you ever had a miniature made?" he asked of her.

"Never. I scarce gave it a thought," she replied nonchalantly.

"In that gown, you would make a perfect picture."

"Couldst thou paint it?" she asked quickly with the attitude of one who
has proposed an impossible question.

"Aye, and willingly, would I," he smartly replied.

"I should love to see it. I should scarce know mine own face."

She regarded the subject with ridicule, observing as she spoke the end
of the sash with which her fingers had been fumbling.

"You shall see it as it is with no artful flattery to disfigure it. May
I bring it in person? The post-rider's bag is too unworthy a messenger."

"Lud! I shall be unable to restrain my curiosity and await the carrier."

"Then I shall be the carrier."

"Nothing would afford me more pleasure."

Neither of the two spoke for a moment.

She wondered if she were imprudent. While she had not known this man
before this evening, still she k