"And we're drifting toward liberality and opportunity for everyone--which is the better, think you?" "_Yonder_ is an instance of it," he said, meaning Porshinger. "Why is it you men are so hostile?" she asked. "Because he doesn't _belong_--as you know quite well. You can't make me believe for an instant that _you_ want him in--or Gladys either. There is something behind this prank of our hostess. She is using Porshinger to subserve some purpose. What is it?" "You must ask Gladys--I'm not a mind reader!" Stephanie laughed. "Possibly I should make more progress if I asked Porshinger," he retorted. "You doubtless would make more of a sensation," she returned. "Who would make more of a sensation, Mrs. Lorraine?" Devereux asked across the table. "You!" said Stephanie. "A perfectly self-evident fact," agreed Devereux. "I can always be relied upon to do the unexpected--it's the way of all original men." "And idiots!" Cameron added, in a perfectly audible aside. "What kind and courteous things my friends _think_ of me!" Devereux remarked. "You should be very grateful!" observed Gladys. "Grateful? I'm positively prostrated with gratitude, my dear girl. So much so that I'm afraid I have not strength to play Auction later. Moreover, Mr. Porshinger may not play on Sundays." "Don't worry about me!" Porshinger laughed. "I'm not worrying about you a bit--I'm worrying about our hostess. She is _so_ thoughtless at times. An awful failing, Mr. Porshinger, an awful failing, particularly in one's hostess.--Yes--I knew you would agree with me." "My dear man," Porshinger began, "I----" "Don't mind him, Mr. Porshinger," Gladys interrupted. "He is a bit wild in his talk, at times--nothing dangerous, however. He just can't help it." They all left the table together and went outside--where the coffee was served. Porshinger found himself, by intention, beside Mrs. Lorraine. "I think I owe the pleasure of dining at Criss-Cross to you," he remarked presently. "Did Miss Chamberlain tell you so?" she inquired. "Not expressly--but by inference." "Which is not at all," she smiled. "The hostess is always responsible for what guests she asks. You were convenient, we needed another man, and you consented to come, which was exceedingly kind of you. If I am at variance with what you have been told, you can take your choice." "I was rather glad to be obligated to you--along with Miss Chamberlain," he replied. "It's a new sensation in me to be obligated to anyone--it is always the other way." "You have many men coming to seek favors?" she said, turning the conversation to him and away from herself. "Many men!" he laughed--"hundreds of them indeed. It's one of the penalties of wealth, I suppose." "And one of the privileges also, it seems to me," she replied.