being specially formed to express the joy of life. It was impossible to
help feeling a thrill of flattered vanity when he saw the sudden change
in her expression and her deep blush when she recognised him.

'I didn't know you ever came here,' she said, as they shook hands.

'It's a curious coincidence I should meet you when, for once in my life,
I come to study the Primitives,' said Cecil.

He then seated himself beside her.

'Don't you think all that '--he waved his hand towards the pictures--'is
rather a superstition?'

'Perhaps; but it's glorious, I think. These are the only pictures that
give me perfect satisfaction. All others, however good they are, have
the effect of making me restless,' said Hyacinth.

'I haven't had a moment's rest,' said Cecil, 'since I saw you yesterday
afternoon. Why were you so unkind?'

'Was it unkind?' she asked. Her face was illuminated.

They spent an hour together; had horrible tea in the dismal
refreshment-room, and having agreed that it seemed a shame to spend a
lovely day within these walls, he said--

'I don't think I've ever met you out of doors--in the open air, I mean.'

'It would be nice,' said Hyacinth.