Lavinia, vivid, sensitive, and almost always amenable, was the only one who after reaching years of discretion flamed into open defiance, and tried to express some of the dumb imprisoned resentment, that all three felt. Providence, however, stepped in once more, and won for Edith so pretty a victory, that in retrospect the battle-field seemed like a daisied meadow. Lavinia was nineteen, and had been at home for a year. The whole affair blew up out of a chance invitation to a dance, which Edith was anxious for Lavinia to accept. "I really don't want to go, Mother," she said. "I don't know them at all, or any of their friends, and I'll have a rotten time. They haven't even asked me to take a partner." "Well, they did ask Geoffrey; it really is very unfortunate that he has to be away that night. But Lavinia dear, you really needn't worry; I know Lady Olivia quite well, even though you don't know the family, and I'm perfectly sure she will see that you have lots of partners. Besides it's a nice house for you to go to." "You don't understand in the least, Mother," Lavinia expostulated, "One doesn't go to dances like that nowadays, to be handed over like a brown paper parcel, to a different man for every dance. If you do go to a party out of your own set, you must at least take a partner." "You know, dear, you're being a little unreasonable. I like Lady Olivia and I think this habit of always dancing with the same few men is being overdone: I don't approve of it at all. Now say no more like a good child, I know you'll enjoy yourself." "I really can't go," repeated Lavinia obstinately. "Very well, dear," said Edith, turning away. The subject was not reopened till the evening of the dance when Lavinia going up to dress for dinner found her white chiffon frock and her white brocade cloak laid out on her bed. She rang for the maid whose services she shared with her mother. "What are these things for, Stacy?" she asked. "Mrs. Greene told me you would want your white dress to-night for the dance, Miss Lavinia." "What dance, did Mrs. Greene say?" "I think she said it was Lady Olivia Yorke's, Miss, but I'm not sure." "Oh I see, thank you, that's all right, then." Lavinia's cheeks were scarlet, but her eyes were stony. She stood for a moment clutching the frock in her hot hand, then laid it carefully back on the bed and went downstairs. On the way she met Rayner, the butler who had been with them for the last ten years, coming up. "Would you tell me what time you will need the car, Miss Lavinia? Mrs. Greene said you were going out this evening." "I'm not quite sure, Rayner," Lavinia spoke steadily, "I'll tell you at dinner. Has Mother gone up to dress, yet?" "No Miss, not yet." "Thank you, Rayner," Lavinia went into the library where Edith was sitting at her desk, and quietly closed the door. "Mother," she said seriously, "did you refuse that invitation for me for Lady Olivia's dance?" "No dear, I accepted it."