“I don’t know. I got the invitation a week ago, at least, so it isn’t an informal affair. It’s probably to announce Ruth Van De Water’s engagement to that foreigner--you know--I’ve forgotten his name. I know Bright’s going--because they said he wanted to marry her last year--it isn’t true. And there’ll probably be some of the Thirlwalls, and the young Trehearns, and Vanbrugh and his wife--you know, all the Van De Water young set. Katharine’s going, too. She told me when she got the invitation, some time last week. There’ll be sixteen or eighteen at table, and I suppose they’ll amuse themselves somehow or other afterwards. Nobody wants to dance to-night, I fancy--at least none of our set, after the Thirlwalls’, and the Assembly, and I don’t know how many others last week.” “They’ll probably put you next to Katharine,” said Mrs. Ralston. “Probably--especially there, for they always do--with Frank Miner on her other side to relieve my gloom. Second cousins don’t count as relations at a dinner-party, and can be put together. Half of the others are own cousins, too.” “Well, if it’s a big dinner it won’t be so disagreeable for you. But if you’d take my advice, Jack--however--” She stopped. “What is it, mother?” he asked. “Say it.” “Well--I was going to say that if any one made any disagreeable remarks, or asked you why you weren’t at the Assembly last night, I should just tell the whole story as it happened. And you can end by saying that I was anxious about you and sent for Doctor Routh, and refer them to him. That ought to silence everybody.” “Yes.” John paused a moment. “Yes,” he repeated. “I think you’re right. I wish old Routh were going to be there himself.” “He’d go in a minute if he were asked,” said Mrs. Ralston. “Would he? With all those young people?” “Of course he would--only too delighted! Dear old man, it’s just the sort of thing he’d like. But I’m going, Jack, or I shall stay here chattering with you all the morning.” “That other thing, mother--about the money--don’t do it!” Jack held her a moment by the hand. “Don’t try to hinder me, dear,” she answered. “It’s the only thing I can do--to please my own conscience a little. Good-bye. I’ll see you at luncheon.” She left the room quickly, and John found himself alone with his own thoughts again. “It’s just like her,” he said to himself, as he lighted a cigar and sat down to think over the situation. “She’s just like a man about those things.”