"I'm ready for good times this winter. Father insists on me enjoying life—for a time anyway."
"For a time anyway?" he repeated. "Why not always?" he asked, studying her intently.
"Oh, one couldn't take life always as a holiday," she brightly returned.
"As long as one can," he replied, his eyes slightly darkening. "The good time is here if you know how to get it. There! I've hardly had time to speak to you and the music is stopping. You haven't told me when I shall call."
Venna appointed the evening and then together they returned to the dance.
When supper was served, Venna found Mr. Hadly sitting directly opposite to her. He used his opportunity well, and compelled her to meet his glance many times even when she was talking to others.
"How handsome he is!" she thought. "And such a forcible character, too."
He certainly attracted Venna more than any of her gentlemen friends. Yet with the attraction, she felt a slight repulsion she could not understand.
—
The wonderful evening over, and the guests departed, Venna stood alone with her father under the green canopy where she had received her friends.