we had to rehearse an
extra month to please M. Graillot. I never had more than a dozen lines
to say, even before my part was practically cut out, but I had to be
there every time. Now it has been running for I don't know how many
nights, I have played in it half the time, and if your highness ever
vouchsafes me a few hours in the evening, you turn to me about nine
o'clock with just the same plaintive expression, and murmur something
about going on to the theater!"

"We'll do something else to-night," John proposed heroically. "I really
had no idea that you were so fed up with it."

Sophy shook her head. They were in the taxicab now and on their way.

"Too late!" she sighed. "Besides, my sense of economy revolts at the
idea of your empty box. If Louise is tired to-night, though, I warn you
that I shall insist upon supper."

"It's a bargain," John promised. "We'll drive Louise home, and then I'll
take you back to Luigi's. We haven't been out together for some time,
have we?"

She looked up at him with a little grimace and patted his hand.

"You have neglected me," she said. "I think all these fine ladies have
turned your head."

She drew a little closer to him and passed her arm through his. John
made no responsive movement. He was filled with resentment at the
sensation of pleasure that her affectionate gesture gave him.

"I might as well try to flirt with a statue!" she declared,
discontentedly. "What makes you so unlike other people, you man of
granite? You used to kiss me very clumsily when I asked you to, and
now--why, how hot your hand is!"

John pushed her away almost roughly.

"Yes, I know I did," he admitted, "and now I don't want to any more, do
you see? It's this cursed place and this cursed life! One's feet seem
always on the sands. I wouldn't have believed it when I first came here.
Don't tease me, Sophy," he added, turning toward her suddenly. "I am
rather inclined to despise myself these last few weeks. Don't make me
worse--don't make me loathe myself!"

She shrugged her shoulders a little pettishly as she leaned back in the
cab.

"You are nothing but a crank," she declared; "you and your brother, too!
You've lived among those flinty rocks till you've become almost like
them yourselves."

The taxi drew up at the theater. John, with a little sigh of relief, was
already out upon the pavement. Sophy's eyes were still shining at him
through her veil, as she walked lightly and gracefully by his