Arms and the Woman

Was it because her soul instinctively became conscious of my presence

and nerved her for the ordeal, that she turned and smiled on me? The

Prince appeared for a moment crestfallen. Perhaps the scene lacked a

denouement. Oh, I was sure that implacable hate burned under that

smile of his, just as I knew that beneath the rise and fall of

Gretchen's bosom the steady fire of immutable love burned, burned as it

burned in my own heart. It was a defeat for the Prince, a triumph for

Gretchen and me. The greeting took but a moment. I stepped back,

strong and hopeful. She loved me. I knew that her heart was singing

the same joyous song as my own.

"Ah, here you are!" said a voice behind me, giving me an indescribable

start. "I have been looking high and low for you. You have forgotten

this dance."

It was Phyllis.

And then a sudden hush fell upon the circle. The two women stood face

to face, looking with strange wonder into each other's eyes.