try, two dramatists, several of the younger publishers, most of the
young editors, critics, columnists, and illustrators, famous in New
York, at least; a few poets, artists; the more serious contributors to
the magazines and reviews; an architect, an essayist, a sculptress, a
famous girl librarian of a great private library, three correspondents
of foreign newspapers, and two visiting British authors. The men wore
evening dress. The women, if not all patrons of the ranking "houses"
and dressmakers, were correct. Even the artistic gowns stopped short
of delirium. And if many of the women wore their hair short, so did
all of the men. Everybody in the room was reasonably young or had
managed to preserve the appearance and spirit of youth. Clavering
noticed at once that Mr. Dinwiddie was not present. No doubt he had
been ordered to keep out of the way!

Miss Dwight led Madame Zattiany to the head of the room and enthroned
her, but made no introductions at the moment; a young man stood by the
piano, violin in hand, evidently waiting for the stir over the guest of
honor to subside. The hostess gave the signal and the guests were
polite if restless. However, the playing was admirable; and Madame
Zattiany, at least, gave it her undivided attention. She was, as ever,
apparently unconscious of glances veiled and open, but Clavering laid a
bet with himself that before the end of the encore--politely
demanded--she knew what every woman in the room had on.

The violinist retired. Cocktails were passed. There was a surge
toward the head of the room.

Clavering had dropped into a chair beside the wife of De Witt Turner,
eminent novelist, who, however, called herself in print and out, Suzan
Forbes. She was one of the founders of the Lucy Stone League, stern
advocates of the inalienable individuality of woman. Whether you had
one adored husband or many, never should that individuality (presumably
derived from the male parent) be sunk in any man's. When Suzan's
husband took his little family travelling the astonished hotel register
read: De Witt Turner, Suzan Forbes, child and nurse. Sometimes
explanations were wearisome; and when travelling in Europe they found
it expedient to bow to prejudice. Several of the Lucy Stoners,
however, had renounced Europe for the present, a reactionary government
refusing to issue separate passports. You took your husband's name at
the altar, didn't you? You are legally married? You a