"Was--was it you, also, who placed those flowers upon my trunk last
evening?"

He bowed, feeling slightly embarrassed by the swift returning restraint
in her manner.

"They were most beautiful. Where did you get them?"

"From Denver; they were forwarded by express, and I am only too glad if
they brought you pleasure."

"Miracle of miracles! A stage-hand ordering roses from Denver! It
must have cost you a week's salary."

He smiled:

"And, alas, the salary has not even been paid."

Her eyes were uplifted to his face, yet fell as suddenly, shadowed
behind the long lashes.

"I thank you very much," she said, her voice trembling, "only please
don't do it again; I would rather not have you."

Before he could frame a satisfactory answer to so unexpected a
prohibition she had stepped forth upon the stage.

This brief interview did not prove as prolific of results as Winston
confidently expected. Miss Norvell evidently considered such casual
conversation no foundation for future friendship, and although she