SOME BIRDS IN A CHIMNEY It might be truthfully said that the tableau lasted as long as she willed it to last.

Perhaps she read in the three masculine faces turned toward her a triangular admiration, since it emanated from three given points, and took from it a modest pinch for her vanity.

Vain she never was; still, she was not without a share of vanity, that vanity of the artless, needing no sacrifices, which is gratified and appeased by a smile.

It pleased her to know that she was lovely; and it doubled her pleasure to realize that her loveliness pleased others.

She demanded no hearts; she craved no jewels, no flattery.