“And,” continued she absently, “the society over there must be charming. Really, I need the education as much as Margot does. I do surprisingly well, considering what my early opportunities were.” “I’ve never once heard you give yourself away,” said I. “I’m not that stupid,” replied she. “But--a while in France--on the Continent--and in England perhaps----” “How long would you be gone?” interrupted I, to show her that all this beating round Robin’s barn was superfluous. She gave me a coquettish look: “How long could you spare me?” “I can’t tell till I’ve tried,” said I, with a gallant smile--but with no move toward her. You women who would be wise, distrust the gallantry that is content with speech and look. “You understand,” pursued she, “if I started this thing I’d put it through--no matter how much I missed you or how homesick I was over there.” “You always do put things through,” said I admiringly. “When have you planned to start?” “I haven’t planned at all, as yet,” replied she--and I saw she thought I had set a trap for her, and was delighted with herself for having dodged it. Certainly never was there a husband with whom indirection was more unnecessary. Yet she would not realize this, partly because she had never bothered to discover what manner of man I was, partly because she had one of those natures that move only by secrecy and indirection. “Do you expect me to go over with you?” inquired I. “I only wish you would!” exclaimed she, but I distrusted her enthusiasm. “Couldn’t MacIlvane take you over and settle you?” Her face clouded. Her lip curled slightly. “I don’t like him as I did,” said she. “I’ve found out he’s ridiculously vain and egotistical.” I laughed outright. “What is it?” inquired she, elevating her eyebrows. She had always disapproved my sense of humor. “So he’s been making love to you--eh?” said I. “No, indeed!” cried she, bridling haughtily. “He’d not dare. But I saw he was beginning to presume in that direction, and I checked him.” “Oh, he’s harmless,” said I. “Keep friendly with him. He’d be the very person to settle you in Paris. He lived there several years.” “It would cause scandal,” said she. “If you can’t go, I can do well enough alone, I’m sure.” “I’d only be in the way,” said I. “Let me know when you wish to go, and I’ll try to arrange it. But I can’t get away for at least three months.” “That would be too late,” said she. “Margot must be started at once. She hasn’t any too much time before her coming out. Also, Mrs. Armitage is sailing in two weeks, and she would be a great help.” “Then you have decided to sail in two weeks?” said I, adding before she had time to get beyond a gathering frown of protest, “That suits me. I’ll make my own plans accordingly.” And in two weeks they sailed, I watching the big ship creep out of dock and drop slowly down the river. Armitage and I drove away from the pier together. We were in such high spirits that we had champagne with our lunch. VI