This suited him exactly, since it gave him a chance for observation; and certainly the little drawing-room, with its refined freedom, was a revelation to him.  Conversation, repartee, and jest were unrestrained.  While Lane was as gay as any present, Merwyn was made to feel that he was no ordinary man, and it soon came out in the natural flow of talk that he, too, was in the service.  Merwyn was introduced also to a captain of the regular army, and, whatever be might think of these people, he instinctively felt that they would no more permit themselves to be patronized than would the sons of noble houses abroad.  Indeed, he was much too adroit to attempt anything of the kind, and, with well-bred ease, made himself at home among them in general conversation.

Meanwhile, he watched Marian with increasing curiosity.  To him she was a new and very interesting type.  He had seen no such vivacity and freedom abroad, and his experience led him to misunderstand her.  “She is of the genus American girl, middle class,” he thought, “who, by her beauty and the unconventionality of her drawing-room, has become a quasi-belle.  None of these men would think of marrying her, unless it is little Strahan, and he wouldn’t five years hence.  Yet she is piquant and fascinating after her style, a word and a jest for each and all, and spoken with a sort of good-comradeship, rather than with an if-you-please-sir air.  I must admit, however, that there is nothing loud in tone, word, or manner.  She is as delicate and refined as her own beauty, and, although this rather florid mamma is present as chaperon, the scene and the actors are peculiarly American.  Well, I owe Strahan a good turn.  I can amuse myself with this girl without scruple.”

At last he found an opportunity to say, “We have met once before, I believe, Miss Vosburgh.”

“Met?  Where?”

“Where I was inclined to go to sleep, and you gave me such a charming frown that I awakened immediately and took a long ramble.”

“I saw a person stretched at lazy length under the trees yesterday.  You know the horror ladies have of intoxicated men on the road-side.”

“Was that the impression I made?  Thanks.”

“The impression made was that we had better pass as quickly as possible.”

“You made a very different impression.  Thanks to Strahan I am here this evening in consequence, and am delighted that I came.”

“‘Delighted’ is a strong word, Mr. Merwyn.  Now that we are speaking of impressions, mine is that years have elapsed since you were greatly delighted at anything.”

“What gives you such an impression?”

“Women can never account for their intuitions.”

“Women?  Do not use such an elderly word in regard to one appearing as if just entering girlhood.”

“O Mr. Merwyn! have you not learned abroad that girls of my age are elderly indeed compared with men of yours?”

He bit his lip.  “English girls are not so—­”