the first chance I've had to use that word. I only learned the difference between it and another last week."
"Indeed!" retorted Hampstead. "And when did you learn the difference between me and the other word?"
"Well, I'm not sure that there is a difference," she sparred. "Being polite, I just concede it."
"Oh," he chuckled. "But," and he was serious again, "you say we don't understand each other?"
"Nonsense; I was only joking. I do understand you; you great, big, egoistical egotist! You are just now absolutely self-centered—and all, all ambition! And I am secretly—secretly, you understand—proud of you!"
"And you," said Hampstead, drawing her close again, "are just the truest, most understanding friend a man ever, ever had. You know, Bessie, a fellow can talk to you just like a sister,—a pretty little sister!" he subjoined, when Bessie looked less pleased than he thought she should.
"You've changed a lot, too, in a year," he conceded, studying her face critically. "When you came into the hotel that night, you struck fear into my heart, and then kind of made it flutter. I said to myself, 'She's gone—the old Bessie, that could be played with. But here's a young woman, a handsome young woman, taking her place.'"
"Did you say that?" asked Bessie happily.
"An exceedingly beautiful woman," went on John, as if stimulated by the interruption. "By George, a very corker of a woman—look at those eyes, those lips, those dimples. Same old dimples, girl!" he laughed emotionally. "And I said, 'Now, here's a woman, a ripe, wonderful woman, to be made love to—'"
"John!"
There was in Bessie's sudden exclamation the sur-
