cheek burned against his, and he could smell the rose in her
brown hair. "Oh, Elizabeth," he said, panting, "you are an
angel!"

"It was simply lovely!" she declared. In her excitement she did
not notice that new word. Blair trembled; he could not speak.
"Come right straight back!" Elizabeth said; "please! Everybody
will have a perfectly splendid time, if you'll just come back. We
want you to sing. Please!" The long, sweet corners of her eyes
implored him.

"Elizabeth," Blair whispered, "I--I love you."

Elizabeth caught her breath; then the exquisite color streamed
over her face. "Oh!" she said faintly, and swerved away from him.
Blair came a step nearer. They were both silent. Elizabeth put
her hand over her lips, and stared at him with half-frightened
eyes. Then Blair:

"Do you care, a little, Elizabeth?"

"We must go back to the parlor," she said, breathing quickly.

"Elizabeth, _do_ you?"

"Oh--Blair!"

"Please, Elizabeth," Blair said; and putting his arms round her
very gently, he kissed her cheek.