I was standing near the large open window of the ballroom, conversing with one of my recent partners, when a sudden inexplicable thrill shot through me from head to foot.

Instinctively I turned, and saw Cellini approaching.

He looked remarkably handsome, though his face was pale and somewhat wearied in expression.

He was laughing and conversing gaily with two ladies, one of whom was Mrs.Everard; and as he came towards me he bowed courteously, saying: "I am too much honoured by the kindness mademoiselle has shown in not discarding my poor flowers." "They are lovely," I replied simply; "and I am very much obliged to you, signor, for sending them to me." "And how fresh they keep!" said Amy, burying her little nose in the fragrance of my fan; "yet they have been in the heat of the room all the evening." "They cannot perish while mademoiselle wears them," said Cellini gallantly.

"Her breath is their life." "Bravo!" cried Amy, clapping her hands.