An Englishman, a friend of Owen’s, sat at the next table, and she could see he regretted that Owen had not introduced him.  Most of his conversation seemed designed for that end, and when they got up to go, his eyes surely said, “Well, I wish that he had introduced us; I think we should have got on together.”  And the eyes of the young man who sat at the opposite table said, as plain as any words, “I’d have given anything to have been introduced!  Shall we ever meet again?”

So her exit was very thrilling; and no sooner were they on the pavement than another surprise was in store for her.

A smart coachman touched his hat, and Owen stepped back for her to get into the victoria.

“But this is not our carriage?”

“You did not think we were going to the Lonchamps in a fiacre, did you?  This is your carriage—­I bought these horses yesterday for you.”

“You bought this carriage and these horses for me, Owen?”

“Yes, dear, I did; don’t let’s waste time. Aux courses!”

“Owen, dear, I cannot accept such a present.  I appreciate your kindness, but you will not ask me to accept this carriage and horses.”

“Why not?”

Evelyn thought for some time before answering.

“It would only make people think that I was an amateur.  The fine clothes you have bought me I shall not be able to wear, except when I want you to think me nice.  I shall have to learn Italian, of which I don’t know a word, and French, of which I know very little.”

Owen looked at her, at once pleased and surprised.

“You’re quite right,” he said; “this carriage and these horses are unsuitable to your present circumstances.  The chestnuts took my fancy ... however, I haven’t paid for them.  I’ll send them back for the present; they, or a pair like them, will come in all right later on.”

After a slight pause she said—­

“I do not want to run into your debt more than I can help.  If my voice develops, if it be all you think it is, I shall be able to go on the stage in a year, at latest in a year and a half from now.  My mother was paid three and four hundred a week.  Unless I fail altogether, I shall have no difficulty in paying you back the money you so generously lent me.”

“But why do you want to cost me nothing?”

“I don’t know.  Why shouldn’t I pay you back?  If I succeed I shall have plenty of money; if I don’t, I daresay you’ll overlook the debt.  Owen, dear, how enchanting it is to be with you in Paris, to wear these beautiful dresses, to drive in this carriage, to see those lovely horses, and to wonder what the races will be like.  You’re not disappointed in me?  I’m as nice as you thought I’d be?”

“Yes; you’re a great deal nicer.  I was afraid at one time you might be a bore; scruples of conscience aren’t very interesting.  But somehow in your case they don’t seem to matter.”

“I do try to keep them to myself.  There’s no use in inflicting one’s personal worries on others.  I am all one thing or all the other.  When I’m with you, I’m afraid I’m all the other.”