"It's only six o'clock," she smiled; "will the discussion take so long?"

"It depends somewhat on when you wish to dine, and somewhat on the
character of the discussion."

Her smile grew into a quiet, rippling laugh.

"Come along," she answered. "I've found a secluded nook in the big
red-room downstairs. It's cozy and nice, and I've had the maid reserve
it for me. Afterwards," with a sharp stab of her brown eyes, "I'll
decide whether I'll dine with you."

The place was as she had said, cozy and nice and secluded; and he put
her into it--where the subdued light would fall on her face.

"Very good, sir," she smiled; "I am not afraid of the light."

"Nor would I be if I were you," he replied.

She shrugged her shoulders ever so slightly.

"Why fence?" she asked.

"Why, indeed?" he replied.

"And why, may I ask, did you meet me here this afternoon?"

"Curiosity--later, satisfaction and appreciation."