self-disgust, held her cousin embraced, and tried to comfort her. And
presently, after an agitated half-hour, each girl seemed to herself to
have found a friend. Reserve had broken; they had poured out confidences
to each other; and after the thunder and the shower came the rainbow
of peace.

Before Nora departed, she looked respectfully at the beautiful dress of
white satin, draped with black, which Annette had laid out upon the bed
in readiness for the Vice-Chancellor's party.

"It will suit you perfectly!" she said, still eager to make up.
Then--eyeing Constance--

"You know, of course, that you are good-looking?"

"I am not hideous--I know that," said Constance, laughing. "You odd
girl!"

"We have heard often how you were admired in Rome. I wonder--don't be
offended!"--said Nora, bluntly--"have you ever been in love?"

"Never!" The reply was passionately prompt.

Nora looked thoughtful.

"Perhaps you don't know whether you were or not. Girls get so dreadfully
mixed up. But I am sure people--men--have been in love with you."

"Well, of course!" said Connie, with the same emphatic gaiety.