“I think the moon will melt the ice to-night,” said Theodora, as she led Madame Phoebus to a table covered with that innocent refreshment in many forms, and pyramids of strawberries, and gentle drinks which the fancy of America could alone devise. “I wonder we did not pass the whole evening on the terrace,” said Lothair. “One must sing in a room,” said Euphrosyne, “or the nightingales would eclipse us.” Lothair looked quickly at the speaker, and caught the glance of a peculiar countenance—mockery blended with Ionian splendor. “I think strawberries-and-cream the most popular of all food,” said Madame Phoebus, as some touched her beautiful lips. “Yes; and one is not ashamed of eating it,” said Theodora. Soon there was that stir which precedes the breaking up of an assembly. Mrs. Giles and some others had to return to town. Madame Phoebus and Euphrosyne were near neighbors at Roehampton, but their carriage had been for some time waiting. Mr. Phoebus did not accompany them. He chose to walk home on such a night, and descended into the garden with his remaining friends. “They are going to smoke,” said Theodora. “Is it your habit?” “Not yet.” “I do not dislike it in the air and at a distance; but I banish them the terrace. I think smoking must be a great consolation to a soldier;” and, as she spoke, she moved, and, without formally inviting him, he found himself walking by her side. Rather abruptly he said, “You wore last night at the opera the same ornament as on the first time I had the pleasure meeting you.” She looked at him with a smile, and a little surprised. “My solitary trinket; I fear you will never see any other.” “But you do not despise trinkets?” said Lothair. “Oh no; they are very well. Once I was decked with jewels and ropes of pearls, like Titian’s Queen of Cyprus. I sometimes regret my pearls. There is a reserve about pearls which I like—something soft and dim. But they are all gone, and I ought not to regret them, for they went in a good cause. I kept the star, because it was given to me by a hero; and once we flattered ourselves it was a symbol.” “I wish I were a hero!” said Lothair. “You may yet prove one.” “And if I do, may I give you a star?” “If it be symbolical.” “But of what?” “Of an heroic purpose.”