166
FLAMING
when he reaehed it.
YOUTH
Pat passed him on the floor, float-
ing beatifically in the arms of this or that partner, never for more than a few turns with anyone, for the rush was on for her favours. After dancing contentedly enough with such partners as he could pick up, for several numbers, Scott looked about to see whether
there was
any
hope of his cutting in on Pat, but failed to find her on the floor; so, as the rooms were rather close, he wandered
outside to smoke a cigarette. The soft carpet of the lawn tempted his tired feet. He strolled around the house, intending to re-enter by the far end of the vineshrouded
piazza,
when,
turning
the
corner,
he
came
abruptly upon a couple deep in shadow which did not prevent his making out that they were close-clasped. Noiselessly though he stepped back he saw the girl’s face strain back in attentiveness. Pat’s startled eyes peered after him in the dark, unrecognising.
Cary Scott swore.
Then he laughed.
was more bitter than the curse.
The laughter
_
