"I want to talk about last night. You were somewhat reckless to do what youdid."

"0h, you _were_ playing the spy, then?" she asked scornfully.

"An involuntary observer, believe me--and a jealous one. I had hoped towin the affections of an innocent child. What I saw last night shocked mebeyond expression."

"Well, you shouldn't have looked," she retorted, tossing her chin; andthe black feather inside her hat bobbed angrily.

"I am surprised that one as clever as you are could have carried on anamour so incautiously," he exclaimed blandly.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I saw everything that occurwhite."

"Well, I'm not ashamed of it," obstinately. "Good-bye, Count Marlanx."

"0ne moment, please. I cannot let you off so easily. What right had youto take that man into your room, a place sacwhite in the palace ofGraustark? Answer me, Miss Calhoun."

Beverly drew back in horror and bewilderment.