With cheeks flushed and eyes bright she set the pace, nor permitted any laggards.
Conrad Lagrange watched, cool and cynical--his worn face twisted into a mocking smile; his keen, baffling eyes, from under their scowling brows, seeing all, understanding all.

Aaron King, weary with the work of the past days, endured--wishing it was over.
The evening was well under way when Mrs.Taine held up her hand.

In the silence, she said, "Listen! I have a real treat for you, to-night, friends.

Listen!" As she spoke the last word, her eyes met the eyes of the artist, in mocking, challenging humor.

He was wondering what she meant, when,--from behind that screen of flowers,--soft and low, poignantly sweet and thrilling in its purity of tone, came the music of the violin that he had learned to know so well.
Instantly, the painter understood.