that was numerically possible. She still kept up to certain degree
the little gatherings which in her childhood were got together for
her amusement, and in the various games then instituted she still
took a part. She never lost sight of the fact that her father took a
certain pleasure in her bodily vigour. And though with her growing
years and the conscious acceptance of her womanhood, she lost sight
of the old childish fancy of being a boy instead of a girl, she could
not lose sight of the fact that strength and alertness are sources of
feminine as well as of masculine power.

Amongst the young friends who came from time to time during his
holidays was Leonard Everard, now a tall, handsome boy. He was one
of those boys who develop young, and who seem never to have any of
that gawky stage so noticeable in the youth of men made in a large
pattern. He was always well-poised, trim-set, alert; fleet of foot,
and springy all over. In games he was facile princeps, seeming to
make his effort always in the right way and without exertion, as if
by an instinct of physical masterdom. His universal success in such
matters helped to give him an easy debonair manner which was in
itself winning. So physically complete a youth has always a charm.
In its very presence there is a sort of sympathetic expression, such
as comes with the sunshine.

Stephen always in Leonard's presence showed something of the common
attitude. His youth and beauty and sex all had their influence on
her. The influence of sex, as it is understood with regard to a
later period of life, did not in her case exist; Cupid's darts are
barbed and winged for more adult victims. But in her case Leonard's
masculine superiority, emphasised by the few years between their age,
his sublime self-belief, and, above all, his absolute disregard for