t I would wait when I knew that you were
in a mood to tolerate me or that I might serve you!" said the Governor
gravely. "If our presence is likely to prove embarrassing--"

"Oh, Aunt Louise doesn't know the names of half the people here. She
never goes out herself; she merely asked old friends and the children of
old friends. I really didn't want this party for I'm here on business,
and it's about that that I want to speak to you, please!"

"I think," said Archie, ill at ease, "that the moment has come for me to
retire."

"We shall not turn you adrift!" cried Ruth. "I have a very dear friend I
must introduce you to. Oh--" she hesitated and turned to the Governor,
"is Mr. Comly a roamer? Has he a heart for high adventure?"

"He speaks without accent the language of all who love the long brown
road."

"Then let him come with me!"

She laid her hand on Archie's arm, and walked toward the wide-flung
doors. The orchestra was again summoning the dancers.

"Oh, Isabel!"

Following her gaze he was glad of the slight pressure of her hand on his
arm. Here at least was something tangible in a world that tottered
toward chaos. For it was Isabel Perry who turned at the sound of Ruth's
voice. She was just at the point of gliding away with her partner.

"Miss Perry, Mr. Comly!"

The eyes that had haunted him in his wanderings flashed upon him, then
narrowed questioningly.

"Oh, Mr. Comly!" There was the slightest stress on the assumed name.
"After this dance--"

She slipped away leaving him staring.

"Please take me back to Mr. Saulsbury," said Ruth. "I've got to cut this
dance. I will introduce you to some other girls."

But as no other girls were immediately available he protested that he
would do very well and guided her to the Governor.

"Isabel is very busy, as usual," said Ruth, "but if Mr. Comly is a good
strategist, he will not fail to find her again. Isabel, you know--"

"Isabel!" exclaimed the Governor. "Not really--"

"Yes, really," Archie answered, his voice hoarse as he raised it above
the music.

The Governor struck his gloved hands together smartly. Ruth, turning
from a youth to whom she had excused herself, asked quickly:

"What has happened? You both look as though you had seen a ghost."

"It's more mysterious than ghosts. Come; we must make the most of these
minutes. Your next partner won't give you up as meekly as that last one
did."

Archie saw them a moment later pacing back and forth i