Some who were not acquainted with her were simply curious to see the noted Mrs. Lorraine--others, who knew both well were startled at the one's temerity and the other's acquiescence. Why Marcia Emerson should endanger her social position, none too strong with the powers that be, was more than they could understand. Never independent themselves, they could not appreciate intrepidity in another. In such a case, they trimmed their sails to the leader's wind and were content to remain under convoy. So far as they were aware, the wind had not veered with any strength to Mrs. Lorraine's quarter. And even though some had heard of the prospective reconciliation, they waited to take their cue from one of those powerful enough to indicate an assured course of action. "I assume you know how rash you are in inviting me to your own table, and in coming the length of the room to do it," she remarked. "I am distinctly _persona non grata_ at present." "You're not to me," said Marcia heartily. "I don't follow Mrs. Postlewaite and her clique. I do as I wish, and where I wish it. Your affairs are your own--they concern only those directly involved. I'm not involved, therefore it is an unwarrantable impertinence for me to interfere in the slightest--or to judge. I've been out of town for the past three weeks is why I've not called--which, I hope, you will pardon. I didn't know you intimately before you went away, but if you'll permit it we will start in just where we left off." "It may hurt you with the conservatives," Stephanie warned. Miss Emerson shrugged her shoulders. "And that might injure my standing in Society, since I've not a too secure footing as it is. Let it, I'll take my chance as it pleases me to take it, not as some one else would make me take it. I'm responsible for my friendships, and I'm not going to have anyone tell me who they shall be--or who they mustn't be. Imagine a _man_ submitting to any such dictation!" "I can't imagine it!" smiled Stephanie. "He would laugh in their faces--or else tell them a few truths in very plain English."