She made an entrancing picture as she slowly descended the steps, serenely conscious of her beauty and its power over the man below whose eyes were now devouring her. The flowing train of her cream-coloured morning gown made her look a half foot taller than she was. She had always fretted at her diminutive stature, and wore her dresses the extreme length to give her added height. With a gracious smile she welcomed Steve and he attempted to kiss her. She repulsed him firmly and allowed him to kiss her hand. “Stella dear,” he began petulantly, with an accent of offended dignity, “you must quit this foolishness! We have been engaged three weeks and I’ve never touched your lips.” She laughed and tossed her pretty head. “And we’re engaged!” “Not yet married,” she observed, lifting her arched brows. “I have honoured you with my fortune and my life.” “Thanks,” she interrupted smiling. Steve flushed and went on rapidly. “Really, Stella, the time has come for a serious talk between us.” She seated herself at the piano and ran her fingers lightly over the keys. Steve followed, a frown clouding his smooth handsome forehead. “Will you hear me?” he asked. “Certainly!” she answered, turning on him her big brown eyes. In their depths he might have seen a sudden dangerous light, had he been less absorbed in himself. As it was he only saw a smile lurking about the corners of her lips which irritated him the more. “I understand that John Graham called on you last night?” “Indeed, I hadn’t heard it,” she answered lightly. “And stayed until after midnight.” Stella sprang to her feet, looked steadily at Steve, frowned, walked to the door and called: “Maggie!” The black face appeared instantly. “Yassum!” she answered, with eager innocence. “Have you said anything about Mr. Graham’s visit last night?” Maggie walled her eyes in amazement at such an outrageous suspicion. “No, M’am! I aint open my mouf--has I Mister Steve?” “Certainly not,” Steve answered curtly. “I thought I heard your voice in the hall,” Stella continued, looking sternly at Maggie. “Nobum! Twan’t me. I nebber stop er second. I pass right straight on froo de hall--nebber even look t’ward Mr. Steve.” “You can go,” was the stern command. “Yassum!” Maggie half whispered, backing out the door, her eyes travelling quickly from Steve to her mistress. “As my affianced bride,” he went on firmly, “I cannot afford to have you receive the man who is my bitterest enemy.” With a smile, Stella quickly but quietly removed the ring from her hand and gave it to Steve, who stood for a moment paralysed with astonishment. “Stella!” he gasped. “The burden of your affianced bride is too heavy for my young shoulders.” “Forgive me dear!” he pleaded. “I prefer to receive whom I please, when and where I please, without consulting you. When I need a master to order my daily conduct, I’ll let you know. “But, Stella, dear!” “Miss Butler--if you please!”