He indulged so rarely in verbal compliments, that she flushed with profound gratification at flip fervor of his tone.

“I am glad you like my dress, to which your roses lend the loveliest garniture.  I was not aware that X—­could furnish at this season such superb La France buds.  Where did you find them?”

“They travelled several hundred miles, for the privilege of nestling against my Leo’s heart.”

Spartan thieves are not the only heroic sufferers who smile and make no moan, clasping close the hidden fangs ravening on their vitals.

“As you mentioned in your note that very important business had called you unexpectedly away, I hope your mission proved both pleasant and successful.”

A shadow drifted over his countenance, like that cast by some summer cloud long becalmed, which sets sail before a sudden gust.

“Only a modicum of success to counterbalance the disagreeable features of a journey in a freight train caboose.”

“Why do you hazard that dangerous schedule, instead of waiting for the passenger express?”

“Business exigencies narrow the limits of choice; moreover, had I waited for the express, I should have missed the coveted pleasure of this meeting with you.  The rosy glamour of happy anticipation conquers even the discomfort of a freight caboose.”

Did she suspect that some sullen undercurrent of intense feeling drove these eddying foam bells of flattery into the stream of conversation; or was her reply merely a chance ricochet shot, more accurately effective than direct fire?

“This afternoon I had a note from Sister Serena, asking for a few articles conducive to the comfort of a sick room; and I really cannot determine whether we should feel regret, or relief at the tidings that that unfortunate girl—­can scarcely—­”

“Spare me the Egyptian mummy at my feast!  The memento mori when I would fain forget.  Let me inhale the perfume of your roses, without hearing that possibly a worm battens on their petals.  Will you ride with me tomorrow afternoon?”

“I am sorry that an engagement to dine will prevent, as the afternoons are so short.”

“Are you going to the Percy’s?”

“Yes.  Will you not be there?”

“Too bad!  I have just declined attending that dinner, because I had planned the horseback ride.  Formerly fate seemed to smile upon me; now she shows herself a scowling capricious beldam.  I have lost this evening, waiting to see you, and now, I must steal away unnoticed; because of an important matter which admits of no delay.  Have you promised to dance with Mayfield?  Here he comes.  Good-night, my dear Leo, expect to see me at ‘The Lilacs’ at the earliest possible moment.”

Unobserved he made his escape, and hurried away.  At a livery stable he stopped to order his horse saddled, and brought to his door, and a few moments later, stood before the grate in his law office, where the red glow of the coals had paled under ashy veils.  From the letter-rack over the mantel, he took a note containing only a line: