pleasant and profitable I have found our friendship."

She drooped her head. He ground his teeth and lit another cigarette.
His hand trembled but his tones were even and formal.

"I shall go to Mrs. Abbott's tomorrow."

"Quite right. And if a man strays in flirt with him--if you know how."

"There are four other At Homes and kettledrums this week and I shall
go to those also. I don't know that I mind silly gossip, but it would
not be fair to Howard. I shouldn't like to put him in the position of
some men in this town; although they seem to console themselves! But
Howard is not like that."

"Not he. The best fellow in the world. I think your program
admirable." He saw that he was trying her too far and added hastily:
"It would be rather amusing to circumvent them, and it certainly
would not amuse me to lose your charming companionship. I have fallen
into the habit of imposing myself upon you from three until five or
half-past. Perhaps you will admit me shortly after lunch and let me
hang round until you are ready to go out?"

She looked up with faintly sparkling eyes; then her face fell.

"There are so many luncheons."

"But surely not every day. You could refuse the informal affairs on
the plea of a previous engagement, and give me the list of the
inevitable ones the first of the week. And at least you are free from