Then they went on again. Time and space were not, for Isabelle. She was a part of elemental Nature--a part of sea and sky and deep bosomed tropical night. Even as Larry O'Leary had said, she was a child of the lady moon, a beam of her silver light. When, finally, it was over, they found Miss Watts waiting for them, a few steps away. "Here I am," she said, in her usual voice, as if the whole world had not changed its face. "You had a nice long dance, didn't you?" "Wonderful!" said the Irishman, in a voice that thrilled. "Now we're getting acquainted," he added, bending down to Isabelle. "I thank you, Miss Moonbeam," he whispered. Isabelle smiled at him. She had not said one word since he led her forth. She felt a little dizzy with everything. Speech was unnecessary. He left them, then, and Miss Watts smiled at her. "Did you enjoy it, Isabelle?" she asked pleasantly. "No!" flashed the girl, unexpectedly. "I am going to bed." "That's sensible. We will enjoy our sleep to-night in a real bed." But Isabelle was not thinking of sleep! CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX The next morning floated in upon Isabelle's senses, warm and fragrant. She felt that this was to be one of the most important days of her life. She loved and she was loved at last! It never entered her head that there could be any doubt of Captain O'Leary's feelings for her. He had called her, tenderly, "little moonbeam," and in one long rapturous dance it had come to them that the meaning of life was love. She dressed in a daze of happiness, in the knowledge that presently she was to see him again. How would they meet? Where? What would the odious Darlington woman say when she knew that "the surly little thing" had captured her captain? She took great pains with her toilet, stared at herself long in the glass. She wished she were beautiful, like Mrs. Darlington, or Max. He deserved the most radiant creature in the world! How could he care for a plain mite like herself? _Did_ he? In a sudden collapse into deep depression she sought Miss Watts and hurried her downstairs. No signs of him in the breakfast room. Later she led Miss Watts up and down every veranda, but a complete survey of the grounds brought no results. "We ought not to exercise so violently right after breakfast, Isabelle. Let us sit down in the shade for a little." Isabelle agreed; it did not matter to her what they did just now, and these seats gave a view of every one who came out of the hotel. "What shall we do to-day?" inquired Miss Watts. "Oh--I don't know"--indifferently. Some people were coming out now. A tall woman, a girl, and a boy. The girl stared at Isabelle and then advanced. "Aren't you Isabelle Bryce?" she asked. "Why, Agnes Pollock!" exclaimed Isabelle. Introductions and explanations followed. The girls had known each other at Hill Top School. Agnes was convalescing from an appendicitis operation. She was with her mother and her brother, who greeted Isabelle cordially.