The sensation of having thrown the apple of discord among these beautiful creatures was, I confess, humorously satisfactory to my vanity. But heeding Dianne’s warning look, and intimidated by the angry fire in the eyes of Acquilla, I resolved that discretion was the better part of valor. When we were left alone, I held out my hand and said, smiling: “Dear Acquilla, I see that even now discussions are dangerous between the sexes, but since we are alone, let me admit that I see a great deal for serious consideration in what you have said.” “They are only Histriones and Æsthetes,” said Acquilla, her brow clearing, “and their faculties are all emotional. You are a man of such sound sense that I am confident of your final judgment. But meanwhile no more such experiments as tonight, Bogardus.” “I promise,” I replied, smiling a relieved smile. “So it’s understood we shall laugh no more!” “Oh, well,” replied Acquilla, looking at me with a tender light in her eyes. “I don’t say never. It wasn’t so painful. But only when we are alone, dear.” She came toward me with a radiant smile, opening her arms. Again I felt a swift metamorphosis. “When you look at me like that,” I said, with assumed dizziness, “my head goes round. I--I feel--” Acquilla sprang forward and lifted me clear in her strong arms as I pretended to reel and fall. “Poor dear! You are still not strong!” she said, holding me as a child, and bending over my eyes. “Forgive me! I must take better care of you. Better, dear?” “Yes, but--but, I don’t understand why I am so weak.” Thanks to my duplicity, I was carried upstairs and put to bed, but the kiss that Acquilla laid on my lips burned into me. Again I lay awake a long time dreaming of Dianne and Acquilla, realizing all at once the dangers and perplexities with which my situation was now fraught;--I, of the now decidedly weaker sex, alone and unprotected, at the mercy of this resplendent but ruthless and unmoral Amazon. CHAPTER X When I awoke, Acquilla was standing at the side of my couch. I rubbed my eyes. The room through its glass walls was flooded with an agreeable modified sunlight. “I must have overslept,” I said. “You’ve slept a whole day, but now you ought to feel splendidly,” she replied eagerly. “It’s true. I don’t remember when I’ve felt so alive and keen. And I feel a wolfish appetite.” “How fast your hair grows,” said Acquilla passing her hand over my face, “and how wiry it is.” “Don’t tell me that men don’t shave any more!” “Oh, not for a long while here. In Southern races you occasionally see curious throwbacks. How funny it feels,” she added, again taking liberties with my chin. “You know I rather like it.” “Acquilla,” I said solemnly, “I am beginning to be worried about my fellow men. What have you done with your brothers?” “I’m afraid you will be rather upset,” she said, smiling, “but you are so different from the men of today. You are a reasoning creature and will understand, I am sure.”