“But he's in love, and he'll not be thinking of me. I'm the only one in all Christendom, it seems to me, who is not in love with somebody, and it's an awful hardship.” “You will fall really in love some day, never fear,” she volunteered, after a somewhat convulsive twist of the head in his direction. “Unquestionably,” he said, “and I shall be just as happy and as foolish as the rest of you, I presume.” “I should enjoy seeing you really and truly in love with some girl. It would be so entertaining.” “A perfect comedy, I am sure. I must say, however, that I'd feel sorry for the girl I loved if she didn't happen to love me.” “And why, pray?” “Because,” he said, turning abruptly and looking straight into her eyes, “she'd have the trouble and distinction of surrendering in the end.” “You vain, conceited thing!” she exclaimed, a trifle disconcerted. “You overestimate your power.” “Do you think I overestimate it?” he demanded, quickly. “I don t--don't know. How should I know?” she cried, in complete rout. In deep chagrin she realized that he had driven her sharply into unaccountable confusion, and that her wits were scattering hopelessly at the very moment when she needed them most. “Then why do you say I overestimate it?” he asked, relentlessly. “Because you do,” she exclaimed, at bay. “Are you a competent judge?” “What do you mean?” she asked, grasping for time. “I mean, have you the right to question my power, as you call it? Have I attempted to exert it over you?” “You are talking nonsense, Phil,” she said, spiritedly. “I said I'd feel sorry for the girl if she didn't happen to love me, you know. Well, I couldn't force her to love me if she didn't love me, could I?” “Certainly not. That is what I meant,” she cried, immensely relieved. “But my point is that she might love me without knowing it and would simply have to be brought to the realization.” “Oh,” she said, “that is different.” “You take back what you said, then?” he asked, maliciously. “If she loved you and did not know it, she'd be a fool and you could exert any kind of power over her. You see, we didn't quite understand each other, did we?” “That is for you to say,” he said, smiling significantly. “I think I understand perfectly.” By this time they were opposite the Rue Lesbroussart, and he drove toward the Place Ste. Croix. As they made the turn she gave a start and peered excitedly up the Avenue Louise, first in front of her companion, then behind. “Oh, Phil, there is Ugo!” she cried, clasping his arm. “See! In the trap, coming toward us.” He looked quickly, but the trees and houses now hid the other trap from view. “Are you sure it is he?” “Oh, I am positive. He has come to surprise me. Is there no way we can reach the house first? By the rear--anyway,” she cried, excitedly. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were sparkling. “Was he alone?” asked he, his jaw setting suddenly.