Page:Conflict (1927).pdf/260

 lips had been the petals of a flower he couldn't have been more careful not to crush them. Oh, had ever any woman before received such a strange, illusive, and provocative caress? What had he meant by it? What had he felt? There was reverence in it, tenderness, protection—all dear to every woman—but there was besides, she thought, that which is sometimes dearer. His breathing had been difficult. His lips had trembled. She had felt them tremble. It was then that she had suddenly realized where she was, what she was doing, and with a start had broken away from him.

He had released her instantly. She had sped quickly back through the library to the main hall, to lights and voices and people again, and the part she had yet to play. Just in time to answer to her cue—just as Felix entered from another door, and one of the Outsiders rose to meet him.

Roger, left alone, watched her flutter away from him like a moth, as she had come, or a butterfly which he had caught, held a moment, and then let go.

Sheilah hadn't seen him again till morning. In spite of her remonstrances several of the loyal survivors of the Outsiders rose at seven-thirty to wave her good-bye. She made her departure from the front porch of the hotel, with no word of apology for the overburdened little car, taking her proper place