"Why," said Paul in surprise--"surely you know! Do you not love Darcy Herne?"
"No, Paul; my fancy for him has died away, like yours for Catinka."
"For what reason?"
"One which satisfies myself," said Iris resolutely, "but one I cannot tell you."
Paul looked searchingly at her, but the cold look on her face baffled his scrutiny. "I do not understand you," he said, turning away his eyes.
"I don't understand myself," replied Iris bitterly, "but some day I may do so. At present, my dear Paul, you may be sure that my heart is as free as your own."
"Our hearts may not always remain in such a forlorn condition," said Paul suggestively.
Iris looked at him suddenly, and saw something in the expression of his face which made her blush. With the evasive instinct of a woman, she turned hastily away.
"See--papa is going," she said hurriedly. "I must follow him. Good-bye, Paul."
"Good-bye, Iris," was his reply; and when the two went away from the house with Miss Clyde--who had to return to Barnstead also--Paul stood looking after them with a smile on his lips.