Nicholas Snyders sprang to his feet. "I am myself," he cried, "and
intend to remain myself! Who dares say I am not myself?"

"I do," retorted the Dame with exasperating coolness." Nicholas
Snyders is not himself when at the bidding of a pretty-faced doll he
flings his money out of the window with both hands. He is a creature
bewitched, and I am sorry for him. She'll fool you for the sake of
her friends till you haven't a cent left, and then she'll laugh at
you. When you are yourself, Nicholas Snyders, you will be crazy with
yourself--remember that." And Dame Toelast marched out and slammed
the door behind her.

"Girls for boys, and old women for old men." The phrase kept ringing
in his ears. Hitherto his new-found happiness had filled his life,
leaving no room for thought. But the old Dame's words had sown the
seed of reflection.

Was Christina fooling him? The thought was impossible. Never once
had she pleaded for herself, never once for Jan. The evil thought was
the creature of Dame Toelast's evil mind. Christina loved him. Her
face brightened at his coming. The fear of him had gone out of her; a
pretty tyranny had replaced it. But was it the love that he sought?
Jan's soul in old Nick's body was young and ardent. It desired
Christina not as a daughter, but as a wife. Could it win her in spite
of old Nick's body? The soul of Jan was an impatient soul. Better to
know than to doubt.

"Do not light the candles; let us talk a little by the light of the
fire only," said Nicholas. And Christina, smiling, drew her chair
towards the blaze. But Nicholas sat in the shadow.