“I hope you won’t misunderstand me, Addie, but I really don’t quite see how I could suggest their asking you. In fact, it is clearly by intention that Tarleton and I are being brought together there quietly, and while it’s a bit awkward to be asked in this way so shortly after our marriage, I hardly feel--the Brodericks being what they are and all that--that I ought to----” He broke off with a light laugh and a graceful outward fling of the hands, in despair of these complications. “It would be a pity for you to miss the opportunity of visiting so distinguished a family--with Mrs. Broderick being the rare woman she is, and all that!” “Of course there is that side of it,” he agreed, with bland eagerness. He did not see that she was laughing bitterly at him. “But I really don’t see how that takes care of you!” “Oh, you musn’t think of that! I should undoubtedly be bored to death. I always hate visiting; when I’m away from home I much prefer going to a hotel.” “Well, I’m not thinking of myself so much--it’s whether visiting Broderick that way and meeting Tarleton in the intimate way he suggests, I shouldn’t be able to effect alliances of real value in one way and another.” “Why, of course,” she acquiesced with ironical readiness. “It’s a masculine affair entirely; the fewer women the better. I know nothing of such things, but Mrs. Broderick is a reformer herself, isn’t she? I think I have read her name in the newspapers in connection with meetings of various kinds--I don’t remember just what it was--but of course she is interested in large affairs, and must be a great help to her husband.” She broke off in a pretty reverie, wide-eyed and with lips parted--an expression that marked a fine shading of delicate mockery. “You are not going there for fun, but to aid your reform work.” “That is precisely it! I’m glad to see how you catch the spirit of the matter. If it were not that I really believe I am doing my little mite of good I should be unable to justify myself in giving so much time to these things. But, this is really awkward! It is generous of you to wish me to go----” “Generous? Nonsense! It’s a wife’s first duty to be a help to her husband. Just now it’s important for you to stay with the Brodericks while you’re in Boston. I should be only an encumbrance----” “No! I can’t allow you to say that! It’s merely a matter of your abandoning the trip to----” “To help the cause!” she supplied. “I really appreciate this more than I can tell you, Addie. And in proof of it I’m going to take you to Bermuda for Easter.” “No, indeed! You musn’t feel that I have to be bought off--that would spoil it all. You go to Boston and get all you can out of the experience. You must remember to tell me just what they have for breakfast, and about Mrs. Broderick’s gowns.” “Fancy me!” he laughed.