AN UNUSUAL GIRL The girl was without wraps, her dress of some light, fleecy material fitting her slender figure exquisitely, her head uncovered; within her eyes Brant imagined he could detect the glint of tears.

She spoke first, her voice faltering slightly.
"Will you kindly permit me to pass ?" He stepped instantly to one side, bowing as he did so.
"I beg your pardon for such seeming rudeness," he said, gravely.

"I have been seeking you all the evening, yet this unexpected meeting caught me quite unawares." "You have been seeking me?
That is strange.

For what reason, pray ?" "To achieve what you were once kind enough to suggest as possible--the formality of an introduction.

It would seem, however, that fate makes our meetings informal." "That is your fault, not mine." "I gladly assume all responsibility, if you will only waive the formality and accept my friendship." Her face seemed to lighten, while her lips twitched as if suppressing a smile.