It should be an interesting trial of strength." There was a general movement, a re-arrangement of seats, and a little buzz of conversation.

Then silence.

Lucille sat back in a great chair, and Lady Carey came over to her side.
"You are nervous to-night, Lucille," she said.
"Yes, I am nervous," Lucille admitted.

"Why not?
At any moment he may be here." "And you care--so much ?" Lady Carey said, with a hard little laugh.
"I care so much," Lucille echoed.
Lady Carey shook out her amber satin skirt and sat down upon a low divan.

She held up her hands, small white hands, ablaze with jewels, and looked at them for a moment thoughtfully.
"He was very much in earnest when I saw him at Sherry's in New York," she remarked, "and he was altogether too clever for Mr.Horser and our friends there.