Arms and the Woman

While Ethel was engaging my cousin's attention, I conducted Phyllis

through the office.

"What a place to work in!" said Phyllis, laughing. The laugh awakened

a vague thrill. "Dust, dust; everywhere dust. You need a woman to

look after you, Jack?"

As I did not reply, she looked quickly at me, and seeing that my face

was grave, she flushed.

"Forgive me, Jack," impulsively; "I did not think."

I answered her with a reassuring smile.

"How long are you to remain in town?" I asked, to disembarrass her.

"We leave day after to-morrow, Saturday. A day or two in Paris, and

then we go on. Every one in New York is talking about your book. I

knew that you were capable."

"I hope every one is buying it," said I, passing over her last

observation.

"Was it here that you wrote it?"

"Oh, no; it was written in my rooms, under the most favorable

circumstances."

"I thought so. This is a very dreary place."

"Perhaps I like it for that very reason."

Her eyes were two interrogation points, but I pretended not to see.

"What nice eyes your cousin has," she said, side glancing.

With a woman it is always a man's eyes.

"And his father was the man who left you the fortune?"

"Yes," I answered, with a short laugh. Of course, I had never told

Phyllis of that thousand-dollar check.

"You must run over this winter and see us," she said. "I anticipate

nothing but dinners, balls and diplomatic receptions. I have never

been there, it will all be new to me. Think of seeing Egypt, the Holy

Lands, Russia, France and Spain, and yet not seeing the very heart of

the continent! Thank goodness, I know the language."

"And will she not be a sensation?" joined in Ethel.

"A decided sensation," said I, scrutinizing the beautiful face so near

me. What if they met, as probably they would--Phyllis and Gretchen?

"Phyllis," said I, suddenly, "where were you born?"

"Where was I born?" with a wondering little laugh; "in America. Where

did you suppose?"

"Eden," said I. "I wasn't sure, so I asked."

"I do not know how to take that," she said, with mock severity.

"Oh, I meant Eden when it was Paradise," I hastened to say.

"Yes," put in Pembroke; "please go back, Miss Landors, and begin the

world all over again."