In youth the blood flows warm, and the unexpected meeting with her former friend when she was off guard, when she was excited by her first opera, had produced a storm. But the storm had passed, the last gleam of lightning and rumble of thunder had ceased and the air was clearer than before. So she was convinced. She denounced herself as an inflammable creature, and turned with renewed allegiance to her husband, dwelling desperately on her gratitude and esteem. Finally, sure of herself and luxuriating in a sense of renewed activity, she fancied she could serve Emil as simply as she would serve another friend. Nor did she see in the attempt Love in one of its multitudinous disguises. The room, which was long and shadowy, overlooked the Square. She led the way to a divan under a window and motioned Emil to a place at her side. "Now," she said, "I want to know just where you stand with your work? Tell me what you have done--what you intend doing--all," with an expansive gesture. He followed it closely; then glued his eyes to her fingers. For some reason he was displeased at this abrupt buckling to a subject that ordinarily would have received his ready endorsement. "But are there not other things to talk about--first?" he suggested. "Not of so much importance." "No?" "No." The gentle rebuke only incited his dominating nature: "But I should like to ask-- For one thing, you know you treated me shamefully, Rachel, when I left Pemoquod." He dropped his head to a level with hers. Into his voice had crept the old dangerous and caressing tone. Amazed at the double temerity of the use of her name and the allusion to the Past, she returned his look, flushing uncontrollably. "Why did you do that?" he pursued, enjoying her embarrassment. "I--I do not recall it," she said and flamed yet more to the lie. "And hereafter, please remember I am Mrs. Hart." She had a grip on the reins and he must heed the sharp tug, though he still chafed under the restraint like a restive horse. "And now we'll speak of another matter--your work;" she continued. "It's two years since we've seen each other," he remonstrated sulkily. "It's nearer three," she might have answered, but checked the words. Instead, severely: "You ought to have something to show for that length of time." "I have something." "So I supposed. Now tell me." And gradually with those arts known to woman, she subdued the quondam lover and roused the genius. Yielding to the flattery of her attitude, which was one of keen interest in his work, he was soon discoursing enthusiastically on the subject she had prescribed. A fish in the water or a bird in the air could not have been more at home than was he in her presence. Thus they talked till twilight fell and the maid came in to light the gas: and they were still deeply absorbed when Simon appeared. He stood for a space, his face a blur of white in the doorway; then he came forward into the circle of light.