As for Pendleton, he went to the Club dissatisfied with himself and with what he had done. He had no patience with Lorraine's conduct and Lorraine knew it--at least he had never been at any pains to conceal it--and now he was constrained, by regard for an injured man, to appear to help him, when _he_ hoped for nothing so much as Stephanie's divorce. She was committed to his care--to him, who was the last man Lorraine should have selected to trust.... And maybe Lorraine also knew it--and chose him because of that very fact, tied his hands by trusting him, with full confidence that he not only would not violate the trust, but that he would be vigilant to see that no one else trespassed. He had not credited Lorraine with so much foresight and knowledge of specific human nature. It might be he erred in the credit, but nevertheless it bound _him_.--_Noblesse oblige._ XV IN THE CONSERVATORY "How does Porshinger seem to be doing?" asked Miss Chamberlain, as five weeks or so later she and Stephanie were having luncheon together in town. "Very well, indeed, so far as I can judge," the latter answered. "I don't know anyone who is more competent to judge," Gladys smiled. "He now is your shadow. Any indication of any attempt on Montague?" "None.--Indeed, he has been rather complimentary of late to Montague, in a mild sort of way." "Beware the Greeks bearing gifts." "I am being aware.--Montague doesn't like it at all; in fact, we've quarrelled." "Quarrelled with Montague!" cried Gladys. "I can't believe it!" "We've quarrelled nevertheless, and all because of Porshinger. Montague insisted that I was encouraging the 'bounder,'--and one thing led to another until I flashed out. Montague lost patience and grew angry--and we fought." "Like two children!" the other laughed. "What in the world ever possessed you to quarrel with Montague Pendleton, the best friend surely a woman ever had?" "I think it was the devil!" confessed Stephanie. "The devil at the very least," agreed her friend. "Have you given him no chance since to make it up?" "I've seen him only once--on the street. I think he has been away." "How like a woman!" Gladys remarked. "To quarrel with the one man who is devoted to her, absolutely devoted to her, and who hasn't a selfish thought where she is concerned! Stephanie, I feel like shaking you!" "I feel like shaking myself," Stephanie replied. "By the way, didn't _you_ ever quarrel with your best man friend? I think I can recollect several at different times--for instance----" "Of course you can recollect--but don't!" Gladys laughed. "However, none of the interested parties was a Montague Pendleton. Good heavens! my dear, do you realize what he has been to you--what he is to you?" "I think that is just what made me quarrel--the perversity of the woman. I'll make it up, however, and he _will_ let me make it up, and we will be better friends for this little disagreement. The nice thing about Montague is his broad-mindedness."