“There is no comparision. A sister of yours would always have known protection, and always rely on it, and if it failed her she might find herself in difficulties and dangers she hardly knew how to cope with. Hal faced the difficulties and the dangers early, and learnt to be her own defence and protector. Some women have to, you see. It is necessary for them to wield weapons and armour out of their own strength, and be prepared to be buffeted by a heartless world, and not be afraid. If you had a sister, you would want to keep her in cotton-wool, and never let any rough, enlightening experience come near her. If I had a daughter, I should like her to have the enlightening experience early, and learn to be strong and self-dependent like Hal; then I shouldn’t be afraid of her future.” She was silent a few moments, then added thoughtfully: “I think it would be better for society in general if the girls of the leisured classes knew more about the world, and were better able to take care of themselves; meaning, of course, with a pride like Hal’s in going straight because it’s the game.” Hermon’s eyes again strayed to Hal’s pretty head, with its glossy brown hair, and Lorraine continued after a pause: “If I’m afraid of anything with Hal, it is that she might let herself get to care for some one who isn’t worth her little finger, or some one who is out of her reach, or something generally impossible. She wouldn’t care lightly; and she’d get dreadfully hurt.” “But surely she couldn’t actually fall in love with a man like Edwin Crathie?” he remonstrated. “I wasn’t thinking of Sir Edwin specially. She goes about a great deal, you know, and meets many people. She has a strong vein of romance too. I always feel I shall be very glad when she is safely anchored, if only it is to the right man.” They were interrupted then by the Bridge players, who had finished their first rubber, and Lord Denton persuaded Hermon to change places with him for a time, and came to sit over the fire with Lorraine. Presently he too mentioned Hal. “She is the best woman Bridge player I have ever met,” he said. “She seems to be developing into something rather out of the ordinary. Hasn’t she grown much better-looking?” Lorraine smiled, a slow, sweet smile. “Alymer Hermon has just been praising Hal too,” she said; “I like to hear you men admire her; it shows you can appreciate sterling worth as well—well—shall we call it daring impropriety?” “You are a little severe.”