“Well,” said Gussy, “I cannot say that I see any harm in that. We have not had anything of the kind for a long time. We must see what mamma says. It does turn the house upside down, and give a great deal of trouble. But--you know mamma always likes to do anything to please you, and make you fond of your home, Dolff----” “I should like to see any fellow that is more fond of his home, or sticks to it more,” cried Dolff. “You have been very good lately,” said Gussy, in a hesitating tone, “if only one could be quite sure.” Gussy did not know what to think. Mr. Meredith’s laughter and innuendoes had opened her eyes as to the cause of the virtue of Dolff; and she did not like the persistence with which Charley came back to the subject. She had no desire to be talked to about Miss Summerhayes and her influence for a whole evening, even if it was by way of jest. And as regarded the matter itself, though Gussy was quite willing to accept Janet’s aid in keeping Dolff from nightly wanderings which were not for his advantage, she did not like to be called upon to acknowledge that aid; still less to consider that it might lead to what she called further complications: the idea of “further complications” was highly disagreeable to her. Janet was very well in her way. She was good for Julia, and fortunately for Dolff too. It was a great advantage to have anyone who would keep those troublesome members of the family in order. But--the idea of further complications alarmed her very much. It was the last thing in the world that was desirable for any one concerned. “I shall tell my mother I have set my heart on having a dance. How can you expect a man to stick to his home as you wish if he has nothing to amuse him? I will settle all that with my mother myself,” said Dolff, somewhat magisterially. He turned round upon her, however, after a moment: “If you don’t interfere.” “Why should I interfere, if it makes you happy? To be sure it is a great trouble turning everything upside down.” “One would think you were forty, Gussy!” “I am not so young as you, at all events,” she said. Gussy was as good as her word, and did not interfere. Even when she was privately consulted by her mother she said nothing against Dolff’s wish. “If it keeps him up to the mark,” said Mrs. Harwood. “It is such a pleasure to see him so nice, to see him so improved--none of those wanderings out at night.” “Yes, it is a great improvement,” said Gussy. She shook her head, with a sigh, and hoped that it would last. “It has lasted a month,” said Mrs. Harwood, “I see no reason why it should not last forever. How can I refuse him anything when he is so good? Vicars will not like it. It distracts his mind, and he says he never knows what may happen: but I think I can smooth down Vicars, Gussy, if you are sure that you approve.” “Oh, yes, I approve,” said Gussy, “anything to keep him steady.”