Theo burst in, stumbling a little over her flowing skirt. 'Oh, I'm so sorry I was not here to greet you! And, Papa, thank you, thank you for the exquisite present'. She flung her arms about his neck, pressing her warm young cheek to his.

'I'm glad you like it, child. It should suit you'. He encircled her chin with his hand, tilting her head back to search her face. Her eyes, brilliant and unshadowed, met his with loving candor.

'Did you enjoy your ride?' he asked quietly, but there was meaning in his tone.

Theo's tiny white teeth caught her underlip. She lowered her lashes, half-guilty, half-laughing. So he knew. It never occurred to her to wonder how. Sooner or later he always knew everything, anyway.

'Well, I did, and I didn't,' she answered, choosing her words. 'You see, the other day...'

'You needn't tell me,' he struck in, smiling. 'You have my most perfect trust, as you know'. He touched her smooth hair in a brief caress.

Suddenly she averted her face. Slow red washed over her neck and up to the curly auburn bang on her forehead.

Aaron stared. His intuition, always sensitive, was triggerquick where Theo was concerned. Damme if I don't believe the minx has been kissed. A surface cynicism masked a disagreeable sense of shock. Imperceptibly his whole body stiffened. 'But tell me this, Theo. Will you be riding that way again?' His tone was casual, though he watched her narrowly, intent to catch any secrecy or subtle withdrawal in those transparent features.

And there was none. Her color had ebbed. She perfectly understood the meaning behind his question. She gave her little gurgle of amusement, shook her head. 'No, I shall not ride that way again. On the whole, I find the—the landscape not to my liking.'

'Ah-—' said Aaron, satisfied. He reached over the table, flipped open his silver snuffbox, took a pinch with a well-kept thumb and forefinger, and sniffed it delicately. 'Run along now, Miss Prissy'. He seldom called her by her childish nickname any more, and she smiled quick response. 'I'll let you off your studies today,' he went on. 'Go and prepare yourself for the party. You must look your loveliest. There will be a rare gathering to do you honor.'

When she had gone, he sat quietly at the table, thinking. He appraised Theo's little amourette at its exact worth. Some momentary flirtation, already finished, and leaving her as innocent and unawakened as she had been before. He had been far too wise to force her confidence. To make much of the episode might have lit the spark of perversity that dwelt in every female breast—even hers. Besides, it was not necessary. The chapter was closed, he knew with sure instinct.

But there would be a next time, that was the trouble.