me for 'Mrs. Joyce,' gives me a warm, happy sort of feeling! I--"
he stroked the smooth hand under his own; there was real emotion
in his voice, "I'd do a good deal to show you how grateful I am,
old girl," he finished. "I wish you could tell me where I fail,
and I'd move heaven and earth to please you!"

"The point is," Alix said, with her mischievous smile, as she
twisted the heavy ring he wore, "do I fail you? I know I don't
flush with delight when you give me a smile, and tremble with fear
at your frown! I know that the smell of my hair doesn't make you
turn pale, and the touch of my hand make you dizzy! There's no
fury, fire, and madness--"

She laughed, and he laughed, too, a little reproachfully.

"You never will be serious for more than two minutes, Alexandra,
my child!" he said.

Alix did not answer. She sat staring at the fire for another
minute or two, and her eyes brightened childishly, had he but seen
them. But she did not give another look at him. With a great fling
of her arms she rested her head between two elbows for a second,
tousled her hair, and yawned.

"I'm going to bed!" she announced. "I'm so glad I married a man
who is accustomed to banking the fire and opening windows and
putting out lamps every night. You," she had reached the door of
their room now, and already the silky braids were freed, and
tumbled about her shoulders, "you spoil me, Pete!" she said,
between them. "Our marriage may be different, but it has its good