Then later they had met unexpectedly at a ball—

There was music—many flowers—brightness—laughter—

His arms had held her close as they danced—

A flood of memories rushed across her mind.

For a moment she had stood with laughing lips—

It had been a moment of triumph.

Then, out of nothing—with no tie to the absorbing passing moment, the image of her mother rose in her thought.

The triumph gave way to a new compelling mood. She was choosing between two loves—

With cold, calculating eyes he had watched her as she moved across the floor—