k her by the shoulders and lightly kissed her.

"Silly! Why? You know I always come up smiling. Why, Phil, you are
looking positively green! Have you been anxious, too? I am indeed
honoured."

She swept him a curtsey, her face all dimples and laughter.

"We've had the jolliest time," she declared. "We motored to Wynhampton
and saw the last of the races. After that, we dined at a dear little
place with a duckpond at the bottom of the garden. And finally we
returned--it ought to have been by moonlight, only there was no moon.
Where is everyone? In the billiard-room? I want some milk and soda
frightfully. Vivian, you might, like the good sort you are, go and get
me some."

She bestowed a dazzling smile upon her _fiance_ and offered him one
finger by way of salutation.

Abingdon, who had been waiting to get in a word, here exploded with some
violence and told his young cousin in no measured terms what he thought
of her conduct.

She listened with her head on one side, her eyes brimful of mischief,
and finally with an airy gesture turned to Caryl.

"Don't you want to scold me, too? I am sure you do. You had better be
quick or there will be nothing left to say."

Abingdon turned on his heel and walked away. He was thoroughly angry and
made no attempt to hide it. His wife lingered a moment irresolute, then
softly followed him. And as the door closed, Caryl looked very steadily
into the girl's flushed face and spoke:

"All I have to say is this. Maurice Brandon is no fit escort for any
woman who values her reputation. And I here and now forbid you most
strictly, most emphatically, ever to go out with him alone again."

He paused. She was looking straight back at him with her chin in the
air.

"Dear me!" she said. "Do you really? And who gave you the right to
dictate to me?"

"You yourself," he answered quietly.

"Indeed! May I ask when?"

He stiffened a little, but his face did not alter.

"When you promised to be my wife," he said.

Her eyes blazed instant defiance.

"An engagement can be broken off!" she declared recklessly.

"By mutual consent," said Caryl drily.

"That is absurd," she rejoined. "You couldn't possibly hold me to it
against my will."

"I am quite capable of doing so," he told her coolly, "if I think it
worth my while."

"Worth your while!" she exclaimed, staring at him as if she doubted his
sanity.

"Even so," he said. "When I have fully satisfied myself that a heartless
little