, after pressing a long, tender kiss upon
his lips, "I have overcome everything! you will see. This time I shall
be very nice to him."

THE KISS

It was still quite light out of doors, but inside with the curtains
drawn and the smouldering fire sending out a dim, uncertain glow, the
room was full of deep shadows.

Brantain sat in one of these shadows; it had overtaken him and he did
not mind. The obscurity lent him courage to keep his eyes fastened as
ardently as he liked upon the girl who sat in the firelight.

She was very handsome, with a certain fine, rich coloring that belongs
to the healthy brune type. She was quite composed, as she idly
stroked the satiny coat of the cat that lay curled in her lap, and she
occasionally sent a slow glance into the shadow where her companion sat.
They were talking low, of indifferent things which plainly were not
the things that occupied their thoughts. She knew that he loved her--a
frank, blustering fellow without guile enough to conceal his feelings,
and no desire to do so. For two weeks past he had sought her society
eagerly and persistently. She was confidently waiting for him to declare
himself and she meant to accept him. The rather insignificant and
unattractive Brantain was enormously rich; and she liked and required
the entourage which wealth could give her.

During one of the pauses between their talk of the last tea and the next
reception the door opened and a young man entered whom Brantain knew
quite well. The girl turned her face toward him. A stride or two brought
him to her side, and bending over her chair--before she could suspect
his intention, for she did not realize that he had not seen her
visitor--he pressed an ardent, lingering kiss upon her lips.

Brantain slowly arose; so did the girl arise, but quickly, and the
newcomer stood between them, a little amusement and some defiance
struggling with the confusion in his face.

"I believe," stammered Brantain, "I see that I have stayed too long.
I--I had no idea--that is, I must wish you good-by." He was clutching
his hat with both hands, and probably did not perceive that she was
extending her hand to him, her presence of mind had not completely
deserted her; but she could not have trusted herself to speak.

"Hang me if I saw him sitting there, Nattie! I know it's deuced awkward
for you. But I hope you'll forgive me this once--this very first break.
Why, what's the matter?"

"Don't touch me; d