The Spectator., 1915-10-22
CHAPTER III-Continued.

Not yeti" She took few steps from him, and turned to look him over even as he had looked at her. She looked as woman looks at a hat in a milliner's, then shook her head, as if she were not sure it was becoming No, Hall, I'm afraid must have a lit tie time. I can't decide just now"
 Renal"
 No, Hall. You must be patient, dear. Give me a week"
 See here!" Hall spoke deliberately. Twill you let me know tonight? You're coming to my party here. tonight, aren't you?"
 Why. yes, I was"
 Will you give me your answer then?"
 She hung fire for a moment. Hall gave a gesture of agony-it was his supreme effort and had a touch of genius. Mrs. Royalton, seeing, capit- ulated. Well. then, all right, to- night"
 Hall tried again for an embrace even while repulsing him she let him taste her lips, then she feebly pushed him away. "Oh, Hall, you mustn't! Not yet. anyway-you know I haven't accepted you. yet. Oh, l can't decide. I've got to think 1t all over calmly"
 Lord. not calmly. Renal" he ex- claimed. He gazed sadly at his shoes. 'The suspense will be terrible!" he said. and with elaborate emphasis, ''my darling!"
 "Oh. Faint heart ne'er won fair lady!'" Mrs. Royalton seemed fully two inches taller than when she had come in. Now, must go. Hall Good by!" She held out her hand. an em- press to a slave. He kissed it with fervor. And with that she smiled, and walked out.
 For ten minutes Flodie had stood stealthily by the door trying to listen. She had barely time to spring back to her desk
 "Good-by Miss Fisher." Mrs. Royal ton paused condescendingly. q think If you used almond cream for your face 1t might do 1t great deal of good. Try one of those wrinkle-bands, why don't you, They're really very efficacious." She swished into the dressing room to put on her veil.
 F1odie waited moment in scornful silence, then burst into the studio to find Hall gazing in stupor out the window. hands in pockets. q scowl on his face. What did she say?" she whispered. Hall didn't hear. What did she say, Mir. Bonistelle!" Flodie was perishing of suspense.
 Hall walked to the couch and dropped down. shaking his head. 'She wanted time. Time! Confound 1.-the only thing l haven't got! What d'you think of that! feel as if I'd done weeks washing! I'm all used up! Say, Flodie. 1t takes lots of energy to propose. did you know that?"
 Flodie regarded him wistfully. "I should think 1t would-especially when you don't mean it."
 "Oh. l mean it all right. I'll stand for 1t. Four millions! Lord. why wouldn't l mean it? I'd mean any thing!"
 'I mean when you don't really love her. MT. Bonistelle. I don't see how you could do 1t. could never do anything like that!"
 Well. you ought to be glad you don't have to Flodie. Unfortunately, do. Why. she'll make good wife, won't she? I don't say I love her. ex- actly; but, well, I've always liked Rena Royalton. She's good fellow She's got the looks. and the style. and the family connections and everything. wouldn't be bit ashamed of her as Mrs. Bonistelle. Whats the matter with you. Flodie? You look so queer, III or anything
 "Oh. I'm all right!"' Flodie smiled bitterly. "Only-only--"
 Well, I'll be hanged! Why. any body would think 1t was you who were in hole. not me. Lord. thought you cared enough for me to help me out!"
 She moved instinctively toward him: instinctively she withdrew. "Oh. do really do. MT. Bonistelle! How can help you? Tell mel"
 Well. what am going to do if Mrs Royalton refuses me. By jove! Just think of its being in that ,womans power to cost me four and half mil lions. It's outrageous!"
 Don't you let her. Mir. Bonistelle," T1odie broke out eagerly. "Oh, it isn't right. Surely there's some other way "a better way than that. Mir. Boni- stelle!"
 "A better way? What d'you meaa!" Hall looked Tt her. puzzled
 Flodie screwed up her courage. and reached gently for his hand. But, no. she didn't quito dare take it. Her