"Why don't you travel?" he asked. "It would mean so much more to you than to most women. Even if Mr. Randolph cannot leave this fair young city he is building up, and your mother won't leave him, you could go with some one else--" "I never expect to leave California," she said shortly. Then, as she met his look of surprise, she added: "I told you a fib when I said that I did not dream, or only a little. I get out of my own life for hours at a time by imagining myself in Europe, cultivating my mind, my taste for art, to their utmost limit, living a sort of impersonal life--Of course there are times when I imagine myself with some one who would care for it all as much as I, and know more--and all that. But I try to keep to the other. I have suffered enough to know that in the impersonal life is the surest content. And as for the other--it could not be, even if I ever met such a man. But dreams help one enormously, and I am the richer for all I have indulged in." Thorpe stood up again. Under a rather impassive exterior, he was a restless man, and his acquaintance with Nina Randolph had tried his nerves. "I wish you had not given me half confidences, or that you would refrain from rousing my curiosity--my interest, as you do. It is hardly fair. I don't wish to know what the family skeleton is, but I do want to know _you_ better. If you want the truth, I have never been so _intrigué_ by a woman in my life. And I have never so wanted to help one. I have been so drawn to you that I have had a sense of having done you a personal wrong ever since the other night. A man does not usually feel that way when he kisses a girl. I see it is no use to ask your confidence now; but, mind, I don't say I sha'n't demand it later on." At this moment the butler entered with the lamps. He was followed immediately by Mr. Randolph, who exclaimed delightedly: "Is it really you, Mr. Thorpe? I have just sent you a note asking you to dine with us on Sunday. And you'll stay to dinner to-night--no, I won't listen to any excuses. If you knew what a pleasure it is to meet an Englishman once more!" "Hastings will think I am lost--" "I'll send him a note, and ask him to come in for the evening, and I'll get in a dozen of our neighbours. We'll have some music and fun." "Very well--I am rather keen on staying, to tell you the truth. Many thanks." "Sit down. You must see something of sport here. It is very interesting in this wild country." "I should like it above all things." Thorpe sat forward eagerly, forgetting Miss Randolph. "What have you that's new? I've killed pretty nearly everything." "We will have an elk hunt." "I want to go, too," said Nina, authoritatively. Thorpe turned, and smiled, as he saw the hasty retreat of an angry sparkle. "I am afraid you would be a disturbing influence," he said gallantly. "I shouldn't disturb you," she said, with the pertness of a spoilt child. "I am a good shot myself. I can go--can't I, papa?"