He gazed at Joan, and the computing look which cast up her charms made her suddenly hot from head to foot.

The good-looking, pretentious fool whom it had been amusing to exhibit amidst the black frowns of her circle had suddenly become exquisitely desirable for herself as a prize, with her beauty, her dainty care to tend it, and her delicious clothes.

She would now be a real credit! Escobar took a step towards her.
"After all," he said, "we were such good friends.

We had little private interests which we did not share with other people.

Surely it was natural that I should wish to see you again." Mario was speaking smoothly enough now.