“It does,” Foster agreed.  “One might imagine that there was enough adventure here, but it really isn’t so.  The lone trail has a mineral claim at the end of it; you look forward to the elevator company’s receipt when you break the new furrow.  Hardship gets as monotonous as comfort; you want something fresh, a job, in fact, that you don’t undertake for money.  Of course, if you look at it economically, this is foolish.”

“I like you better as a sentimentalist than a philosopher,” Carmen answered.  “It’s the former one goes to when one wants things done.  However, if you would like a dance——­”

She danced well and Foster knew there were men in the hall who envied him.  He, moreover, imagined that Carmen knew it would be remarked that she had banished her other attendants and shown him special favor.  This, of course, would not trouble her, because Carmen generally did what she pleased, but he felt inclined to wonder about her object.  He knew her well enough to think she had an object.  When the music stopped she said, “Now you may take me in to supper.”

Supper was served in an ante-room, but, although this was contrary to local custom, the guests came in when they liked and were provided with small, separate tables.  Instead of Foster’s leading, Carmen guided him to a quiet nook, partly screened by cedar branches, where they could see without being seen.  He thought it significant that a spot with such advantages should be unoccupied, but this did not cause him much surprise.  Things generally happened as Carmen wanted, and it was a privilege to sup with the prettiest and cleverest girl in the hall.

“You are going to stay at Featherstone’s home in England, aren’t you?” she asked by and by.

“Yes,” said Foster, who wondered how she knew.  “Since I’ve spent ten years on the plains and in the bush, it will be a rather embarrassing change.  You see, I’m better used to bachelor shacks and logging camps than English country houses.”

Carmen firmly brought him back to the subject.  “Do you know much about your partner’s relatives?  It’s obvious that he belongs to a good family.  However, you’ll have him with you.”

Foster smiled.  He did not mean to tell her that Featherstone was not going with him.

“I know nothing about them.  In fact, my ignorance of the habits of a good family rather weighs on my mind.”

Carmen gave him a level, critical glance.  “They won’t be able to find much fault with you, and if they did, you wouldn’t guess it, so it wouldn’t matter.  But that is not what I meant.  You have been Featherstone’s partner for some time, and it’s curious that he has told you nothing about his home.”

“He’s reserved,” said Foster, who looked up as Daly came into the room with a laughing girl, at whom Carmen glanced somewhat coldly.  “Do you know what that man is doing here?”

“I don’t, but as he’s agent for an engineering company, I dare say he’s looking for orders.  Hulton’s are buying new plant.”