The parlormaid, trying to look discreetly incurious, was standing by the gate, to open it for the visitor to go out. But the lady paused to enter into conversation with her; and Mabin was filled with indignation, believing, as she did, that the stranger’s motives were not above suspicion. And she caught the words which the maid uttered just before the cab drove away with the stranger: “Very well, my lady.” And then she heard Rudolph’s voice behind her. “Well, have you had time to make up your mind?” She started and turned quickly. He was surprised to see that all traces of tears had disappeared, and that her face was burning with excitement. “Oh, yes, yes. I must tell you now! If I didn’t, I should have to go and confide in Mrs. Dale’s little dog!” “Well, I promise to be quite as discreet.” “That cab that you saw drive away had in it a woman who came here to see Mrs. Dale, and who told me that I ought to go away and not stay in the same house with her!” “Well?” “Well! Is that all you have to say? Aren’t you disgusted? You who pretend to like and admire Mrs. Dale so much?” “There is no pretense in it. I do like and admire her very much. But how can you be astonished after the warnings you have had?” Mabin looked at him with wide open eyes. “I thought,” she said rather coldly, “that you would take her part.” “Yes, so I will; so I do. But I don’t feel quite sure whether you ought to.” “And why not? Why, since I like and pity her too, shouldn’t I take her part too?” For a few minutes Rudolph was silent. “You’re a girl,” said he at last. “But that’s no reason why I should act meanly!” “Ah, well, if it’s not a reason, it’s an excuse.” “I don’t think so. I like to stand by my friends. I haven’t many; I haven’t any I like better than Mrs. Dale. So, whatever it is that she has done, I shall stay with her as long as she wants me, and do all I can to prevent these stories getting to papa’s and mamma’s ears.” Rudolph looked at her fair face, which was aglow with generous enthusiasm, and smiled in hearty approval. “That’s right,” said he warmly. “And if people are too much shocked by your daring, why you can marry me, you know, and when once you’re married you can snap your fingers at them all.” But at this suggestion Mabin had suddenly turned pale. In truth she liked Rudolph well enough not to be able to bear a jest on the idea of marriage with him. Naturally he was surprised and even a little hurt by the abrupt change in her sensitive face. “Oh, you need not look so frightened,” said he, laughing. “I only suggested it as a last resource in case of extremity.” “Oh, I know. But--what extremity?” “If people think the worse of you for standing by your friend.” Mabin drew her tall, slim figure to its fullest height. “I shouldn’t care,” said she. “I should snap my fingers at them in any case.”