The Silent Barrier

Book Excerpt: fraid, Helen, we don't run on the same rails, as our American cousins say."There was a little pause. Millicent's words, apparently tossed lightly into the air after a smoke spiral, had in them a touch of bitterness, it might be of self analysis. Her guest seemed to take thought before she answered: "Perhaps the divergence is mainly in environment. And I have always inclined to the more serious side of life. Even when we were together in Brussels----""You? Serious? At Madam Bérard's? I like that. Who was it that kicked the plaster off the dormitory wall higher than her head? Who put pepper in Signor Antonio's snuff box?"Spencer saw the outer waves of a flush on Helen's cheeks. "This is exceedingly interesting," he thought; "but I cannot even persuade myself that I ought to listen any longer. Yet, if I rise now and walk away they will know I heard every word."Nevertheless, he meant to go, at the risk of their embarrassment; but he waited for Helen's reply. She laughRead More