"When shall I see you again?" he asked, as he bent over her hand. "This evening, if you wish!" she smiled, with just the faintest pressure of her fingers. "You are very good," he murmured. "I most assuredly _do_ wish." "I'll expect you then--at nine, Montague. I want to--talk over--matters--Amherst, you know." "At nine!" he answered, and the car rolled away. Pendleton went in through the Club-house, and out again on the east piazza where Miss Chamberlain was playing Auction. She saw him coming and motioned to a chair beside her. Mrs. Postlewaite was a little way off, holding her usual court. Gladys glanced toward her and smiled. "We all know it, Montague," she said. "Everyone in the Club-house and on the links knows it--and it has been telephoned to town, I dare say: Mrs. Postlewaite asked Stephanie to have tea with her here. It's the sensation of the--year." "And for a sensation mighty satisfactory," Pendleton returned. "Those of us who have been for Stephanie all through can take courage--our course has been approved by the ultimate authority," Gladys observed. "If we hadn't been staunch for our friend, the Queen wouldn't have come around." "She'll hear you, Gladys," warned Mrs. Burleston. "Let her--I would confide the same thing to her, if she asked me.--I've never come under her authority. I'll double your three hearts, Helen." "By!" said Miss Tazewell, after a pause to consider whether she should take her partner out of it. "By!" said Miss Rutledge promptly. "I'll go back--your lead, Gladys," said Mrs. Burleston. There was silence until the last card fell--Mrs. Burleston had made good her contract. "That's ninety-six below, and a hundred above, and simple honors," said Miss Chamberlain, as she put down the score. "You had a bully hand, Helen." On the next deal, Miss Rutledge was the declarant. Gladys spread out her cards; then, with a significant look at Pendleton, arose and moved out to the rail. "What else have you to tell me?" she said, as he joined her. "How did you know?" he smiled. "I guessed it--from your manner!" she laughed. "A woman's intuition, if you please." "It's more than tea for Stephanie," he said. "You have only part of it.--The Porshinger matter is won." "He has plead guilty!" she marvelled. "Better than that." "What--better! How can that be?" "Mrs. Postlewaite and Mrs. Porterfield witnessed the whole episode, and have voluntarily come to Stephanie's assistance--to deny Dolittle's story, and with an offer to testify against Porshinger." "Oh, delightful!" Gladys cried. "The Queen P's actually witnessed the whole occurrence?" "Yes--from the little balcony which, you know, runs along one side of the conservatory." "Does Lorraine know it?" "No." "Where is Stephanie?" "Gone home." She looked at him thoughtfully. He looked at her and smiled. "I'm sorry for you, Montague.--Lorraine will be the more determined than ever on a reconciliation."