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 "Put some one on the island to see that you did it," said Leyden dryly.

"Nothing," observed Virginia, "is more ungallant to ladies than to talk politics in their presence." The conversation was turned to lighter topics.

"For your entertainment this afternoon," said Dessalines to Lady Maltby, "I have ordered tea served on the little island a mile up the river. My neighbor, Mr. Radford, has built there a little kiosk which he calls the Temple of Love; he kindly permits me to use it this afternoon for tea."

"That will be charming. And how are we to go?"

"Two of the Japanese will row some of us up in the barge; there is also a canoe in which I had thought that Giles might like to take Miss Moultrie; with Giles outing and exercise are synonyms."

"A chap must keep fit," said Giles.

Virginia felt oddly disappointed; of course it was always a pleasure to be with Giles, but for this one afternoon she wished to watch Dessalines. Her dread of him had given way to a curious interest; she loved to watch the play of the great muscles beneath the light texture of his clothes; there was a peculiar attraction in the rich tones of his voice, and his euphonic phrases and well-chosen words were a never-failing source of surprised interest; it was as if a tiger had glided to her side, purred, and paid a compliment; there was a nightmarish element about Dessalines; he was the perfect figment to haunt one's dreams, yet not in all ways unpleasantly.

"Can the barge carry so many?" she asked.

Dessalines glanced at her quickly. Primitive creature 110