It was as if she were amused, not absent-minded nor yet a prey to the feminine immorality of ingratiation.

"Besides," she continued, "I wish to know a great many things.

How did the mulatto woman impress you, Mr.St.George ?" Miss Holland loosened her coat, revealing a little flowery waist, and leaned forward with parted lips.

She was very beautiful, with the beauty of perfect, blooming, colourful youth, without line or shadow.

She was in the very noon of youth, but her eyes did not wander after the habit of youth; they were direct and steady and a bit critical, and she spoke slowly and with graceful sanity in a voice that was without nationality.