"I think I've had enough of this conversation," said Lady Tanagra. "You're trying to prove that I'm either going to lose my reputation, or die an old maid, and I'm not so sure that you're wrong, about the old maid, I mean," she added. "I shall depend upon you, Godfrey, then," she said, turning to Elton, "and we will hobble about the Park together on Sunday mornings, comparing notes upon rheumatism and gout. Ugh!" She looked deliberately round the table, from one to the other. "Has it ever struck you what we shall look like when we grow very old?" she asked. "No one need ever grow old," said Patricia. "How can you prevent it?" asked Bowen. "There is morphia and the fountain of eternal youth," suggested Elton. "Please don't let's be clever any more," said Lady Tanagra. "It's affecting my brain. Now we will play bridge for a little while and then all go home and get to bed early." In spite of her protests Bowen insisted on seeing Patricia to Galvin House. For some time they did not speak. As the taxi turned into Oxford Street Bowen broke the silence. "Patricia, my mother wants to know you," he said simply. Patricia shivered. The words came as a shock. They recalled the incident of her meeting with Bowen. She seemed to see a grey-haired lady with Bowen's eyes and quiet manner, too well-bred to show the disapproval she felt on hearing the story of her son's first meeting with his fiancé. She shuddered again. "Are you cold?" Bowen enquired solicitously, leaning forward to close the window nearest to him. "No, I was thinking what Lady Meyfield will think when she hears how you made the acquaintance of--of--me," she finished lamely. "There is no reason why she should know," said Bowen. "Do you think I would marry----?" Patricia broke off suddenly in confusion. "But why----?" began Bowen. "If ever I meet Lady Meyfield I shall tell her exactly how I--I--met you," said Patricia with decision. "Well, tell her then," said Bowen good-humouredly. "She has a real sense of humour." The moment Bowen had uttered the words he saw his mistake. Patricia drew herself up coldly. "It was rather funny, wasn't it?" she said evenly; "but mothers do not encourage their sons to develop such acquaintances. Now shall we talk about something else?" "But my mother wants to meet you," protested Bowen. "She----" "Tell her the story of our acquaintance," replied Patricia coldly. "I think that will effectually overcome her wish to know me. Ah! here we are," she concluded as the taxi drew up at Galvin House. With a short "good night!" Patricia walked up the steps, leaving Bowen conscious that he had once more said the wrong thing. That night, as Patricia prepared for bed, she mentally contrasted the Bowens' social sphere with that of Galvin House and she shuddered for the third time that evening.