restrained his feelings. His friend was not a person to give
oneself away to. And, after all, this sort of speech was what he
had come there to hear. As, however, he had made a movement he re-
settled himself comfortably and said, with very creditable
indifference, that yes--she was, rather. Especially amongst a lot
of over-dressed frumps. There wasn't one woman under forty there.

"Is that the way to speak of the cream of our society; the 'top of
the basket,' as the French say," the Editor remonstrated with mock
indignation. "You aren't moderate in your expressions--you know."

"I express myself very little," interjected Renouard seriously.

"I will tell you what you are. You are a fellow that doesn't count
the cost. Of course you are safe with me, but will you never
learn. . . ."

"What struck me most," interrupted the other, "is that she should
pick me out for such a long conversation."

"That's perhaps because you were the most remarkable of the men
there."

Renouard shook his head.

"This shot doesn't seem to me to hit the mark," he said calmly.
"Try again."

"Don't you believe me? Oh, you modest creature. Well, let me
assure you that under ordinary circumstances it would have been a