you say, most people are incapable of any power or decision. I always maintain it's something in the country. Now in" He stopped, re-began: "In Europe they are different. There a man is better understood, and women as well."
"I have never been out of America," Miss Beggs admitted.
"But you might well have been," he assured her; "you are more Continental than any one else I can think of."
He moved toward the middle of the bench and she said quickly: "You must not misunderstand. I am not cheap nor silly. It might have been better for me." She addressed the fading light on the sea. "Silly women, too, do remarkably well. But I am not young enough to change now." She rose, gracefully drawn against space; her firm chin was elevated and her hands clenched. "I won't grow old this way and shrivel like an apple," she half cried.
It would be a pity, he told himself, watching her erect figure diminish over the boardwalk. He had a feeling of having come in contact with an extraordinarily potent force. By heaven, she positively crackled! He smiled, thinking of the misguided people who had employed her, ignorant of all that underlay that severe prudent manner. At the same time he was flattered that she had confided in him. It was clear she recognized that he, at least, was a man. He was really sorry for her—what an invigorating influence she was!
She had spoken of being no longer young—something over thirty-five he judged—and that brought the realiza-
