It seemed the only sane conclusion by the practical light of day, and, reassured, at last she slipped into untroubled slumber.

Yes, she was sure Max was much too shrewd to let himself be caught by a girl who did not even want him.

He would never waste his valuable time over such as she.
Yet while she slept, a curious memory came to her--a memory that was half a dream--of a hand that had stroked her head with a sure and soothing touch, of lips very near her hair that had whispered words of tenderness.

It was not a disturbing dream by any means.

She slept through it into a deeper peace with a smile upon her face.
She was finally aroused without ceremony by Violet, who skipped airily into the room, clad in a daring sea-green wrapper that revealed more of her charms than it concealed.
"Oh, my dear soul, are you awake ?" was her greeting, as she perched herself on the foot of the bed.