So when we concluded it might be safe to call each other Lois and Euan, Lana’s curiosity leaped over all bounds to the barriers of impertinence.

There was, as usual, a respectable company gathered at Croghan’s that afternoon; and a floating-island and tea and a punch. Lois, in her usual corner by the northern window, was so beset and surrounded by officers of ours, and Schott’s, Franklin’s, and Spalding’s, and staff-officers halted for the day, that I had quite despaired of a word with her for the present; and had somewhat sulkily seated myself on the stairs to bide my time. What between love, jealousy, and hurt pride that she had not instantly left her irksome poppinjays at the mere sight of me, and flown to me under the noses of them all, I was in two minds whether I would remain in the