“Things have come to a head at home, haven't they?” Noel shrugged her shoulders. “You came for refuge, didn't you?” “From whom?” “Don't be angry; from the need of hurting your father.” She nodded. “I knew it would come to that. What are you going to do?” “Enjoy myself.” She was saying something fatuous, yet she meant it. “That's absurd. Don't be angry! You're quite right. Only, you must begin at the right end, mustn't you? Sit down!” Noel tried to free her wrist. “No; sit down, please.” Noel sat down; but as he loosed her wrist, she laughed. This was where he sat with Leila, where they would sit when she was gone. “It's awfully funny, isn't it?” she said. “Funny?” he muttered savagely. “Most things are, in this funny world.” The sound of a taxi stopping not far off had come to her ears, and she gathered her feet under her, planting them firmly. If she sprang up, could she slip by him before he caught her arm again, and get that taxi? “If I go now,” he said, “will you promise me to stop till you've seen Leila?” “No.” “That's foolish. Come, promise!” Noel shook her head. She felt a perverse pleasure at his embarrassment. “Leila's lucky, isn't she? No children, no husband, no father, no anything. Lovely!” She saw his arm go up as if to ward off a blow. “Poor Leila!” he said. “Why are you sorry for her? She has freedom! And she has you!” She knew it would hurt; but she wanted to hurt him. “You needn't envy her for that.” He had just spoken, when Noel saw a figure over by the door. She jumped up, and said breathlessly: “Oh, here you are, Leila! Father's been here, and we've had some of your champagne!” “Capital! You are in the dark!” Noel felt the blood rush into her cheeks. The light leaped up, and Leila came forward. She looked extremely pale, calm, and self-contained, in her nurse's dress; her full lips were tightly pressed together, but Noel could see her breast heaving violently. A turmoil of shame and wounded pride began raging in the girl. Why had she not flown long ago? Why had she let herself be trapped like this? Leila would think she had been making up to him! Horrible! Disgusting! Why didn't he—why didn't some one, speak? Then Leila said: “I didn't expect you, Jimmy; I'm glad you haven't been dull. Noel is staying here to-night. Give me a cigarette. Sit down, both of you. I'm awfully tired!” She sank into a chair, leaning back, with her knees crossed; and at that moment Noel admired her. She had said it beautifully; she looked so calm. Fort was lighting her cigarette; his hand was shaking, his face all sorry and mortified. “Give Noel one, too, and draw the curtains, Jimmy. Quick! Not that it makes any difference; it's as light as day. Sit down, dear.” But Noel remained standing. “What have you been talking of? Love and Chinese lanterns, or only me?”