"That is what makes me so strong the other way," declared Burgoyne. "Added to the fact that you're not married. If you had a wife to consult, the chances are you would either think differently--or not think. The unfortunate thing is, the men will have little or nothing to say about it. It is the women that Stephanie has to placate, and she has anything but a rosy path cut out for her, I'm afraid. We men don't understand woman--we never have understood her and we never shall. We see only the surface of her nature--that is all she ever permits us to see--and it is very pleasant to look upon. Under the surface, however, is hidden a fund of petty meannesses, which she reserves exclusively for her own sex. She knows better than to vent them on us--we wouldn't tolerate it for a moment." "Are you speaking generally or with specific reference to Stephanie Lorraine?" queried Burgoyne. "Both. It is a general proposition applied to a specific instance." "Aren't you a bit hard on the women?" Burgoyne asked. "I think not--but I don't ask you to believe me. If you're happier not to believe, all right. Every man to his experience and what it teaches him." "Has your _experience_ taught you any such doctrine?" "My experience, together with my observation, has taught me all of that and much more. The trouble is I don't follow it. I can't withstand the feminine fascination and charm--nor my fondness for their society and so on. I'm a good deal like the fellow who couldn't resist the alluringly beautiful color of the red-hot iron and grabbed it with bare hands instead of with tongs." "You advise me, then, to go after Miss Emerson with tongs?" laughed Burgoyne. "I decline to advise you--you're quite of sufficient age to advise yourself," Pendleton responded. "To return to Mrs. Lorraine," said Burgoyne. "The women didn't manifest much charity this afternoon, I must admit. They were as cold as the proverbial ice water." "Yes--'seeing they see not'--as some one has it." "And until they or some of them will consent to see, I fear that Stephanie will be very lonely." Pendleton nodded. "It might have been better if she had remained abroad for a year or two--till the thing died down. Now it will depend on Stephanie herself whether she can force Society's hand." "Is that her idea, do you think--to force Society's hand?" "I don't know that she has formed any idea. She has been home only a day or two, you must remember." "Judging from this afternoon--I should say she hasn't," remarked Burgoyne. "To come to the Club was about the wildest thing she could have done--and then, as a climax, to meet Lorraine right in the centre of the spot light! He seems to have known his mind when it came to the pinch. I understand he gave her his back." "He did. So far as they two are concerned the decision is made finally," Pendleton replied. "The last hope of a reconciliation is past."