"It is very nice of you to see through Mildred," she said, and Page felt a strange glow under her approval.
"The folly of Hilda," he thought, "in supposing this woman could be jealous of another!"
There was something too in the quiet joyousness of her sphere which assured him that whatever were her sentiments for Jack, she was not longing for his society now. She was content, he felt it, and the knowledge was bliss to him.
"I wonder how soon we are going to be attracted," remarked Clover, after they had walked a minute in silence.
Page turned to her suddenly. "What do you mean by that?" he asked so eagerly that the surprised color rushed to his companion's face.
"Why, we were waiting, weren't we, for one of these side shows to tempt us beyond the point of resistance," she answered, with the glibness with which a woman can skim over a moment which threatens too much.
"Well, to tell the truth I had forgotten what we were doing beyond sauntering together in this very interesting, motley crowd. Isn't it strange how completely alone we are in such a place?"
"Or might be, if it were not for the wheeled chairs," said Clover. "It isn't safe to become introspective here."
"Was I?" anxiously. "Have I been silent, Mrs. Van Tassel? My thoughts often play me tricks. Hilda is always saying that I am 'queer.' I don't know just what she means, but if you would be kind enough to mention it if I do anything you don't like, I should be—it would be a great favor."
"You are very flattering," returned Clover, turning away to smile. "What a temptation you offer me!"