ed. "My son," he
went on to Howat Penny, "is a practical iron man. I say iron, although
that is no longer the phrase, because of natural associations. The
present system of the manufacture of steel, as you doubtless know,
evolved from the old Ironmasters, of whose blood James has a generous
share. We look to him to re-establish, er--a departed importance. I need
say no more." His women's anxiety at this trend of speech became
painful. "Play a right lively piece," Mrs. Polder interjected, and an
intolerable cacophony of banjoes followed, making conversation futile.

The evening, Howat Penny felt, was a considerable success; by heaven,
Mariana would never get herself into this! Byron Polder's innuendoes
must have annoyed her nicely. When the mechanical disturbance ceased,
Mrs. Polder said, "I believe that's the bell." Evidently she had been
correct, for, immediately after, a young woman with bright gold hair,
and a mobile, pink countenance unceremoniously entered the room. "Oh!"
she exclaimed, in an instinctively statuesque surprise; "I didn't know
you were entertaining company."

"Come right in, Harriet," Mrs. Polder heartily proclaimed. "Miss Jannan,
Mr. Penny, this is Isabella's friend, Harriet de Barry, a near neighbour
and a sweet girl. She's an actress, too; understudies Vivian Blane; and
is better, lots say, than the lead."

Harriet de Barry made a comprehensive gesture. "I wanted to say good-bye
to you all," she announced. "I am going on tour. Leave at midnight. Just
had a wire from Mrs. Blane." There were polite Polder exclamations,
regret, congratulations; through which the son of the house moodily
gazed at the carpet. "Haven't you anything to say to Hatty?" his mother
demanded. "And after all the passes she sent you." Howat Penny saw
Mariana's gaze rest swiftly on the latest comer's obvious good looks;
and the scrutiny, he was certain, held a cold feminine appraisal. As
they descended to leave Mariana lingered on the stairs with Jim. The
latter closed the door of the public motor with a low, intense mutter;
and, moving away, Howat Penny lit a cigarette with a breath of audible
relief.

"I don't know which I detest most," Mariana declared viciously, "you or
myself."

"You might include that fish," he added plaintively. She gazed at him in
cold contempt, with an ugly, protruding lip. Nothing else was said until
they were in the opened room at the Jannans. Mariana flung herself on a
broad divan, with her nar