"Lorraine's accident and Stephanie's visit to him at the Hospital occurred on the same evening the Governors met. The postponement of the resolution was owing, I understand, to a hard fight by a couple of her friends on the Board. The subsequent action of the proposer was due to these facts--and to Lorraine's request." "I see," nodded Miss Chamberlain. "Altogether that first visit to the Hospital--and the subsequent one--were the two wisest, most politic things Stephanie ever did. They accomplished more for her rehabilitation than she could have effected in a year's time. Even the Queen P's were mollified and were disposed to be nice--which Stephanie hasn't let them be yet, however. She _is_ a bit wilful, Montague." "She may be wilful in her resolve not to accept Lorraine's offer of reconciliation," said Pendleton. "What is your opinion?" "On the ground of expediency, it would be better, beyond all question, for her to accept," said Gladys, "but if it were I--I'd die first. I fancy Stephanie is of the same mind." "I fancy she is," Pendleton agreed. Just then Stephanie herself appeared in the doorway. She saw Gladys, and smiled and came toward her--not seeing Pendleton, who had his back toward her and was hidden by the tall chair in which he was sitting. "Hello!" said Gladys.--"Come and join me in a cup of tea." Pendleton slowly arose and turned--and Stephanie stopped short with a smothered exclamation! XVII DOLITTLE'S TALE She recovered herself instantly--and took Pendleton's outstretched hand. It was a lifeless hand she gave him, however. It said plainly to him that it was offered out of respect to the conventionalities and nothing more. And her smile was as purely formal as the handshake. There was no warmth in either. "I did not mean to intrude," she remarked. "Intrude!" marvelled Gladys.--"Why what an idea, Stephanie! Montague and I are not--now if I were someone else, it might be apropos. This tea is cold--let me order another pot." Pendleton went over and pushed the bell. "I don't care for any tea, thank you," said Stephanie.--"I'm going to town in a moment." "I'll ride with you, if you wait a few minutes until I telephone," offered Gladys. "I may be able to hasten it if I call up at once. Excuse me a moment!" and she hurried into the house. Pendleton repressed a smile and bowed. "Won't you sit down, Mrs. Lorraine?" he suggested. She shrugged her shoulders ever so slightly, and took the chair he offered her. "This is an awkward situation, Mr. Pendleton," she observed, "but it will last but a moment--and if you will bear with me, I'll see that it doesn't happen again." "Suppose I want it to happen again--many times," he said, leaning forward. Another shrug of the shapely shoulders. "You're asking me to believe impossibilities," she returned. "I'll make them very real, if you will promise to try to believe them." A third time the shoulders did duty.