led all pain and displeasure, sending him into raptures, by
saying:

"How good of you! We shall be so delighted to have you breakfast with
us, Mr. Lorry, if it is convenient for you. You can talk to us of your
wonderful city. Now, say that you will be good to us; stay your hunger
and neglect your personal affairs long enough to give us these early
morning hours. I am sure we cannot trouble you much longer."

He expostulated gallantly and delightedly, and then hurried forth to
call a cab. At eight o'clock he breakfasted with them, his infatuation
growing deeper and stronger as he sat for the hour beneath the spell of
those eyes, the glorious face, the sweet, imperial air that was a part
of her, strange and unaffected. As they were leaving the dining-room he
asked her if she would not drive with him.

His ardent gallantry met with a surprising rebuke. The conversation
up to that moment had been bright and cheery, her face had been the
constant reflector of his own good spirits, and he had every reason in
the world to feel that his suggestion would be received with pleasure.
It was a shock to him, therefore, to see the friendly smile fade from
her eyes and a disdainful gleam succeed it. Her voice, a moment ago
sweet and affable, changed its tone instantly to one so proud and
arrogant that he could scarcely believe his ears.

"I shall be engaged during the entire day, Mr. Lorry," she said, slowly,
looking him fairly in the eyes with cruel positiveness. Those eyes of
his were wide with surprise and the glowing gleam of injured pride.
His lips closed tightly; little red spots flew to his cheeks and
then disappeared, leaving his face white and cold; his heart throbbed
painfully with the mingled emotions of shame and anger. For a moment he
dared not speak.

"I have reason to feel thankful that you are to be engaged," he said
at last, calmly, without taking his eyes from hers. "I am forced to
believe, much to my regret, that I have offended when I intended to
please. You will pardon my temerity."

There was no mistaking the resentment in his voice or the glitter in his
eyes. Impulsively her little hand was stretched forth, falling upon his
arm, while into her eyes came again the soft glow and to her lips the
most pathetic, appealing smile, the forerunner of a pretty plea for
forgiveness. The change startled and puzzled him more than ever. In one
moment she was unreasonably rude and imperious, in the next gracious and
impl