tly. Something must happen one way or the other. Now
what was it to be? She could not pretend to guess. These Tristrams were
odd folk. There was the same blood in Cecily as had run in Addie
Tristram's veins. On the other hand the Gainsboroughs seemed to have
been ordinary. Was this period of indecision or of suspended action a
time of struggle between the Tristram in Cecily and the Gainsborough?
Mina, on the look-out for entertainment, had no doubt which of the two
she wished to be victorious; the Gainsborough promised nothing, the
Tristram--well--effects! The strain made Mina excited, restless, and at
times exceedingly short with Major Duplay.

The neighborhood waited too, but for the end of Lady Tristram's
mourning, not of her indecision. As a result of much discussion, based
on many rumors and an incredible number of authentic reports, it was
settled that at the end of six months Blent was to be thrown open,
visitors received, and a big house-warming given. A new era was to
begin. Splendor and respectability were to lie down together. Blent was
to pay a new homage to the proprieties. Miss Swinkerton was strongly of
opinion that bygones should be allowed to be bygones, and was author of
a theory which found much acceptance among the villas--namely, that Lady
Tristram would consider any reference to her immediate predecessor as
inconsiderate, indeed indelicate, and not such as might be expected to
proceed from lady-like mouths.

"We must remember that she's a girl, my dear," Miss S. observed to Mrs
Trumbler.

"She must know about it," Mrs Trumbler suggested. "But I dare say you're
right, Miss Swinkerton."

"If such a thing had happened in my family, I should consider myself
personally affronted by any reference to the persons concerned."

"The Vicar says he's sadly afraid that the notions of the upper classes
on such subjects are very lax."

"Not at all," said Miss S. tartly. Really she needed no instruction from
the Vicar. "And as I say, my dear, she's a girl. The ball will mark a
new departure. I said so to Madame Zabriska and she quite agreed with
me."

Mrs Trumbler frowned pensively. "I suppose Madame Zabriska has been a
widow some time?" she remarked.

"I have never inquired," said Miss S. with an air of expecting applause
for a rare discretion.

"I wonder what Mr Harry will do! The Vicar says he must be terribly
upset."

"Oh, I never professed to understand that young man. All I know is that
he's go