Betty looked at the speaker with a half-incredulous smile. "You have been 'collecting' her, I suppose, as Hallin collects grasses. Of course, what I pine to know is what sort of a time _she's_ had. You're not the easiest person in the world to get on with, my lady." "I know that," said Marcella, sighing; "but I don't think she has been unhappy." Betty's green eyes opened suddenly to the light. "Are you ever going to tell me the truth? Have you got her under your thumb? Does she adore you?" "Betty, don't be an idiot!" "I expect she does," said Betty, thoughtfully, a myriad thoughts and conjectures passing through her quick brain as she studied her friend's face and attitude. "I see exactly what fate is going to happen to you in middle life. Women couldn't get on with you when you were a girl--you didn't like them, nor they you; and now everywhere I hear the young women beginning to talk about you, especially the young married women; and in a few years you will have them all about you like a cluster of doves, cooing and confessing, and making your life a burden to you." "Well, suppose you begin?" said Marcella, with meaning. "I'm quite ready. How are Frank's spirits since the great decision?" "Frank's spirits?" said Betty. She leisurely took off her glove. "Frank's spirits, my dear, if you wish to know, are simply an affront to his wife. My ruined ambitions appear to affect him as Parrish's food does the baby. I prophesy he will have gained a stone by Christmas." For the great step had been taken. Betty had given way, and Frank was to escape from politics. For three years Betty had held him to his task--had written his speeches, formed his opinions, and done her very best to train him for a statesman. But the young man had in truth no opinions, save indeed whatever might be involved in the constant opinion that Heaven had intended him for a country gentleman and a sportsman, and for nothing else. And at last a mixture of revolt and melancholy had served his purpose. Betty was subdued; the Chiltern Hundreds were in sight. The young wife, with many sighs, had laid down all dreams of a husband on the front bench. But--in compensation--she had regained her lover, and the honeymoon shone once more. "Frank came to see me yesterday," said Marcella, smiling. Betty sprang forward. "What did he say? Didn't he tell you I was an angel? Now there's a bargain! Repeat to me every single word he said, and I will devote myself, body and bones, to Letty Tressady." "Hush!" said Marcella, laying two fingers on the pretty mouth. "Here she comes." Letty Tressady, in fact, had just emerged from a side-door of the house, and was slowly approaching the two friends on the terrace. Lady Leven's discerning eye ran over the advancing figure. Marcella heard her make some exclamation under her breath. Then she rose with little, hurrying steps, and went to greet the newcomer with a charming ease and kindness.