“You tantalizing, wonderful little beauty!” he breathed. “Is there some vampire in you? You know very well that I’m mad about you! I adore you! The moon, stars and sun, all are eclipsed in your presence!” Passively she remained in his arms while he kissed her again and again. He held her off at arms length and looked longingly at her. “Do you care for me? A little?” he asked eagerly. “Tell me?” Elinor’s head fell forward on his breast. “I—I _love_ you,” she whispered, but there was a passion in the whispered words that even Templeton Druid, past master of heart affairs, had never before heard. “My darling!” His voice was softly caressing. But by the light of the moon the girl in his arms could not see the triumphant gleam in his eyes. Content for the moment only to stand heart to heart with the man she loved, feeling his caressing touch, hearing his tender words of devotion, Elinor Benton let the world go by unheeded. Then came an unwelcome thought to obtrude. She drew back from him, and stared off into space. “Oh, what will mother say?” she wailed dismally. “I’m not a bit worried about Dad—I can easily win him over—but _mother_?” “Why?—Why?” he stammered confusedly. “Need we tell them anything about it?” “You foolish boy! You’re so confused,” she laughed. “Isn’t it customary for a man to ask a girl’s parents for her hand in marriage?” “Marriage!” he ejaculated. “Oh—to be sure—only we will have to keep all this secret for awhile—that is what I meant by suggesting our not mentioning anything to your parents—just yet. You see, dearest, I must play the rest of this season according to my contract, and one-half of my popularity is centered in my being an _unmarried_ matinée hero. Besides, there is another matter, it will be necessary for me to adjust—one that I cannot explain at present.” “I understand, dear. You are suggesting that we remain secretly engaged for the present?” she asked eagerly. “Yes—that’s it exactly. Do you mind, sweetheart?” “Oh, I think it will be wonderful; so delightfully romantic, and my meeting you clandestinely won’t seem at all wrong now that you are my affianced husband,” she replied with suppressed excitement. “You’re a genuine little sport,” he exclaimed, generously helping himself to more of her kisses which she unhesitatingly returned. “We will surely be missed,” Elinor struggled out of his embrace, and began to readjust her hair. “I’ll hurry back, and you come in a few minutes later.” “Be sure to telephone to me to-morrow, dearest.” “It is almost to-morrow now. I’ll ’phone you to-day—instead,” she answered laughingly as she hurried away. Elinor snuggled in the car beside her father on their way home from the dance. She was supremely happy. Her heart sang in tune to the purring of the motor. “He loves me! He loves me!” Templeton Druid, the idol of all the young women in New York—loved _her_!