might have consulted me!"

In the soft dusk she laughed, and stretched out a caressing hand.

"Tired, dear, and--cross? I thought you'd be pleased. Why and
wherefore? Tell me the truth?"

"Oh, don't be so tiresome, Charmion. Of course I am tired. I've been
on my feet all day long. Cross! Why should I be cross? Only--I don't
choose to accept hospitality from that man. I tell you plainly I won't
go."

She bowed her head, deliberately, once and again.

"Oh, yes, Evelyn, you will! I gave you your choice, and having made it
you will play fair. I should have preferred to remain peacefully at
Coventry, but having taken the first step at your request, I don't
propose to allow you to force me into society _alone_."

What could I say? What was it _possible_ to say? There is no way out
of it. I shall just have to go!

CHAPTER TWELVE.

A REVELATION.

The Vicar has called to tell us that Delphine has made up her accounts,
and that the fete has cleared fifty pounds more than the smaller affair
last year. He seemed pleased and proud, and I was delighted, too, and
immensely relieved, because I had really been horribly afraid there
would be no profit at all! Curious to think where all the money came
from to pay heavy expenses, and still clear so much! It just shows how
small sums add up. I asked if Delphine were very pleased, and he
hesitated, and said:--

"She seems tired. Feeling the reaction, no doubt. She worked so hard."

An imp of curiosity tempted me to see if he were really as blind as he
appeared.

"She made a splendid hostess. And didn't she look charming, too? I am
sure you were proud of her in that lovely new frock!"

His eyes softened with a deep _glowey_ look, which was reserved for
Delphine alone.

"I am always proud of her. She always looks charming; but the dress--I
am afraid I must plead guilty. I know nothing about her dress."

"Really? Truly? You couldn't tell what it was like?"

"Not for a thousand pounds!"

I stared at him, frowning.

"If I had a husband I should _like_ him to know. I should be furious if
I made a special effort, and he didn't even notice that I had anything
new."

He smiled with a forbearing air.

"Surely not! I think better of you, Miss Wastneys. Dress is altogether
unimportant."

"Not to me. Not to your wife. There are some women to whom it is the
greatest temptation in life."

He looked outraged, disgusted, and changed the subjec