afforded her some satisfaction, but it did not matter now, and although the spot seemed made for confidential talk, she listened quietly to the rollers breaking on the beach. The roar of the surf had a disturbing effect; she felt that it called, urging her to follow her star and launch out on the deep. Her companion was silent, and she wondered what he was thinking about, or if, as seemed more likely, his mind was vacant. She found him irritating to-night. Gore was the finished product of a luxurious age: well-bred, well-taught, and tastefully dressed. His father had made a fortune out of railroad stock, and although Reginald had not the ability to increase it, he spent it with prudence. He had a good figure, and a pleasant face, but Evelyn suspected that his highest ambition was to lounge through life gracefully. [Pg 44]Evelyn knew her mother's plans regarding him, and had, to some extent, fallen in with them. Reggie had much that she valued to offer, but she now and then found him tiresome. He stood for the luxurious, but, in a sense, artificial life, with which she was growing dissatisfied. She felt that she wanted stirring, and must get into touch with the real things. [Pg 44] "You're not talkative," she remarked, watching the lights of the Enchantress that swung and blinked with the tossing swell. "No," he agreed good-humoredly. "Doesn't seem to be much to talk about." There was silence for a few moments; then Evelyn put into words a train of thoughts that was forming indistinctly in her mind. "You have never done anything very strenuous in life. You have had all the pleasure money can provide one. Are you content?" "On the whole, yes. Aren't you?" "No," said Evelyn thoughtfully. "I believe I haven't really been content for a long time, but I didn't know it. The mind can be doped, but the effect wears off and you feel rather startled when you come to yourself." Gore nodded. "I know! Doesn't last, but it's disturbing. When I feel like that, I take a soothing drink." Evelyn laughed, for his answer was characteristic. He understood, to some extent, but she did not expect him to sympathize with the restlessness that had seized her. Reggie would never do anything rash or unconventional. Hitherto she
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