things I feel about you--"

"Begin, then--begin!" she interrupted. "What do you think of me, really?
Am I pretty? Do you like to have me here at the table with you, or is
your mind too full of Louise? Do you notice that I've a pretty frock on,
and my hair is nicely arranged? I have taken so much trouble to-night.
What are you looking at?"

John's whole expression had suddenly changed. His eyes were fixed upon
the door, his face was stern as a granite block. Sophy turned quickly
around. The _maitre d'hotel_, with another satellite in his rear, was
welcoming with much ceremony two lately arrived guests. Sophy clutched
at the table-cloth. The newcomers were Louise and the Prince of Seyre.

"I don't understand this!" John muttered, his lips twitching.

Sophy Gerard said nothing. Her cheeks were pink with excitement.

Suddenly Louise saw John and Sophy. She stood quite still for a moment;
then she came toward them, slowly and a little languidly. The prince was
still studying through his eye-glass the various tables which the head
waiter was offering for his consideration.

"What an astonishing meeting!" Louise remarked, as she laid her hand for
a moment on Sophy's shoulder. "What is going on behind my back?"

John rose very slowly to his feet. He seemed taller than ever, and
Louise's smile remained unanswered.

"The rain broke up my week-end party," he explained, "and I met Sophy in
the Strand. In any case, I intended returning to-night. I understood
that you would not be here until to-morrow about eleven o'clock."

"Those were my plans," Louise replied; "but, as you see, other things
have intervened. Our little house party, too, was broken up by this
abominable weather, and we all motored up to town. The Faradays have
gone home. The prince heard from Miles that I was at home, and
telephoned me to dine. _Me voici!_"

John was struggling with a crowd of hateful thoughts. Louise was wearing
a wonderful gown; her hair was beautifully arranged; she had the air of
a woman whose toilet was complete and perfect down to the slightest
detail. The prince's slow drawl reached them distinctly.

"It was my servant's fault, I suppose," he said. "I told him to ring up
last night and order the table for two in that corner. However, we will
take the vacant one near your desk."

He looked around and, as if for the first time, missed Louise. He came
toward them at once.

"The prince seems to have ordered his table last night," Jo