ysis, that dream has a meaning. Understood rightly it
discloses that I have, in my waking moments, a repressed feeling of
intense dislike for that hateful bird. And it is quite true. I have. So
you can see how useful that kind of thing might be in getting at the
truth in cases of murder. I hope," turning to Desire, "I hope I am not
being too scientific for you, my dear? When the ladies feel that they
know you better you may perhaps join our club, if you care for anything
so serious? May I give you more tea?"

"Thanks, yes. That would be delightful."

"Not so delightful, my dear, as educative. But as I was saying, Benis,
it is all your fault that this misconception has got about. I blame you
very much in the matter. It comes naturally from your writing so
continually about Indians and foreigners and Primitives generally.
People come to associate you with them. Still, I think it was extremely
rude of Mrs. Stopford Brown to say it."

"So do I," said Spence, with conviction.

"I asked Mrs. Everett, who told me, if anyone else had made remarks
leading up to it. But she says not a word. It was just that Mrs.
Everett said that it was strange that when you had taken so long to
consider marriage you should have made up your mind so quickly in the
end--'Gone off like a sky-rocket!' was her exact wording, and Mrs.
Stopford Brown said, in that frivolous way she has, 'Oh, I suppose he
stumbled across a Primitive.' You will notice, Desire, that Mrs.
Stopford Brown's name is not upon the list for your reception."

"But--" began Desire, controlling her face with difficulty.

"No 'buts,' my dear. It may seem severe, but Mrs. Stopford Brown is
quite too careless in her general conversation. It is true that her
remark is directly traceable to my nephew's unfortunate writings, but
she should have investigated her facts before speaking. The result is
that it is all over town that you have Indian blood. They say that, out
there, almost everyone married squaws once and that is why there is no
dower law in British Columbia. Those selfish people did not wish their
Indian wives to wear the family jewels. Benis! You will break that cup
if you balance it so carelessly. What I want to know is, what are you
going to do about it?"

"Not being a resident of British Columbia, I cannot do anything, Aunt.
But I think you will find that since women got the vote the matter has
been adjusted."

"I do not understand you. What possible connection has