He was watching the play of the shadow of her picture hat on her face, seeking clues to her mood, vexed that he had permitted himself to be brought into her company, when she said: “I’m not amusing you! Please forgive me. I can’t help it if I’m a little _triste_. Some little devilish imp is dancing through my silly head. If I took a second glass----” Bruce answered her look of inquiry with a shake of the head. “Are you asking my advice? I positively refuse to give it; but if you command me, of course----” He rose, took the glass, and held it high for her inspection. “The man tempts me----” she said pensively. “The man doesn’t tempt you. We’ll say it’s the little imp. Mrs. Mills, do you want this cocktail or do you not?” “It might cheer me up a little. I don’t want you to think me stupid; I know I’m terribly dull!” She drank half the cocktail and bade him finish it. “Oh, certainly!” he replied and drained the glass. “Now, under the additional stimulus, we can proceed with the discussion. What were we talking about, anyhow?” “It doesn’t matter. Life offers plenty of problems. How many people do you really think are happy--really happy? Now Bud’s always cheerful; he and Maybelle are happy--remarkably so, I think. Helen Torrence--well, I hesitate to say whether she’s really happy or not; she always appears gay, just as you see her today; and it’s something to be able to give the impression, whether it’s false or not.” “Yes; it’s well to make a front,” Bruce replied, determined to keep a frivolous tone with her. “The Freemans enjoy themselves; they’re quite ideally mated, I’d say.” “Yes, they’re making a success of their lives. Dale and Bill are always cheerful. Now there’s dear old Shep----” “Well, of course he’s happy. How could he be otherwise?” “You’re not taking me seriously at all! I’m disappointed. I was terribly blue today; that’s why I plotted with Bud to get you here--I shamelessly confess that I want to know you better.” “Come now! You’re just kidding!” “You’re incorrigible. I’m that rarest of beings--a frank woman. You refuse to come to my house, presumably because you don’t like me, so I have to trap you here.” “How you misjudge me! I haven’t been around because I’ve been busy; I belong to the toiling masses!” “You have time for Miss Harden; you two seemed ever so chummy on the golf course. Of course, I can’t compete with Millie--she’s so beautiful and so artistic--so many accomplishments. But you ought to be considerate of a poor thing like me. I’m only sorry I have so little to offer. I really thought you would be a nice playmate; but----” “A playmate? Aren’t we playing now?--at least you are playing with me!” “Am I?” she asked.