“That was a good party,” Mrs. Torrence began as Bruce got his car in motion. “Mr. Mills is two or three different men. Sometimes I think he consciously assumes a variety of rôles. He’s keen about this country gentleman stuff--unassuming grandeur and all that! But meet him out at dinner in town tomorrow night and you’d never think him capable of playing drop the handkerchief! Makes you wonder just which is the real Mills.” “Maybe we all lead two or three existences without knowing it,” Bruce remarked. “We do! We do, indeed!” the little woman cheerfully agreed. “All except me. I’m always just the same and too much of that!” “Well, you always come up with a laugh and that helps. Please let me into the secret.” “My dear boy, I learned early in life to hide my tears. Nobody’s interested in a cry-baby. And minding my own business saves a lot of bother. I think I’ve acquired that noble trait!” “That’s genius!” exclaimed Bruce. “But--in your case I may not do it! I like you, you know.” “Am I to believe that?” he asked seriously. “I hope you’ll believe it. I offered at the beginning of the evening to be your friend until death do us part; I’ve done some thinking since. I do think occasionally, though you’d never guess it.” “It’s an old trick of the world to be mistrustful of thinkers. I’ve suffered from it myself.” “Listen to me, young man! I’ve got my eye on you. I suggested to Connie that it would be simpler for her to go in with Shep. I love Connie; she’s always been nice to me. But Connie’s not just a safe chum for you. Your fascinations might be a trifle too--too----” “Too,” he supplied mockingly, “much for me?” “Don’t be silly! Connie’s a young woman of charm, and she likes to use it. And you’re not without a little of the same ingredient. You may be nice and friendly with Connie--_and_ Shep--but you mustn’t forget that there is Shep. Shep’s a nice, dear boy. I’m strong for Shepherd. I could cry when I see how much in love he is with Connie! And of course she doesn’t love him in any such way. She sort o’ mothers and pets him. She still has her grand love affair before her. Isn’t this nasty of me to be talking of her in this fashion! But I don’t want you to be the victim. One drive alone with her is enough for you in one evening!” “Oh, but----” “Oh, all the buts! We haven’t been talking of her at all! Aren’t the shadows of that tall tree interesting?” The shadows of the tall tree were not particularly interesting, but Bruce, speculating a little as to what Mrs. Torrence would say if she knew he had kissed Constance on the drive out, was guiltily glad that she had concluded what he felt to be a well-meant warning against getting in too deep with Mrs. Shepherd Mills.