back on a cigarette for consolation. "Why can't you be let alone?" he
said at last. "Why?--because--you're Helena!"

"What a stupid answer!" she said contemptuously. Then, with one of her
quick changes, she came near to him again. "Geoffrey!--it's no good
pressing me--but don't be angry with me, there's a dear. Just be my
friend and help me!"

She put a hand on his arm, and the face that looked into his would have
bewitched a stone.

"That's a very old game, Helena. 'Marry you? Rather not! but you may join
the queue of rejected ones if you like.'"

A mischievous smile danced in Helena's eyes.

"None of them can say I don't treat them nicely!"

"I daresay. But I warn you I shan't accept the position for long. I shall
begin again."

"Well, but not yet!--not for a long time," she pleaded. Then she gave a
little impatient stamp, as she walked beside him.

"I tell you--I don't want to be bound. I won't be bound! I want to be
free."

"So you said--_à propos_ of Philip," he retorted drily.

He saw the shaft strike home--the involuntary dropping of the eyelids,