he cigarette smoke grew bluer. "My
wife," said Benis, "was very well occupied."

"You mean that when Dr. John saw how distrait and pale she was, he took
her for a run in his car? Now admit, Benis, that you made it plain that
you wished her to go."

"Did I?"

"Yes," significantly, "too plain. Mary saw it--and John. You are acting
strangely, Benis. I don't like it, that's flat. Desire is too much with
John. And you are too much with Mary. It is not a natural arrangement.
And it is largely your fault. It is almost as if you were acting with
some purpose. But I'll tell you this--whatever your purpose may be--you
have no right to expose your wife to comment."

She had his full attention now. The cigarette haze drifted away.

"Comment?" slowly. "You mean that people--but of course people always
do. I hadn't allowed for that. Which shows how impossible it is to
think of everything. I'm sorry."

"I do not pretend to understand you, Benis. But then, I never did. Your
private affairs are your own, also your motives. And I never meddle, as
you know. I think though, that I may be permitted a straight question.
Has your feeling toward Desire changed?"

"Neither changed nor likely to change."

Miss Campion's expression softened.

"Are you sure that she knows it?"

"I am not sure of anything with regard to Desire."

"Then you ought to be. Don't shilly-shally, Benis. It is a habit of
yours. All of the Spences shilly-shally. Make certain that Desire is
aware of your--er--affection. Mark my words--I have a feeling. She is
fretting over Mary."

"I happen to know that she is not."

Small red flags began to fly from Miss Campion's prominent cheek-bones.

"We shall quarrel in a moment, Benis. You are pig-headed. Exactly as
your father was, and without his common sense. I know you think me an
interfering old maid. But I like Desire, and I won't have her made
miserable. I want--"

"Hush--here she comes."

"Ill leave you then," in a sepulchral whisper. "And for goodness' sake,
Benis, do something! ... Were you looking for me, my dear?" added
Aunt Caroline innocently as Desire came slowly toward them. "Do not try
to be energetic this morning. It is so very hot. Sit here. I'll send
Olive out with something cool. I'd like you both to try the new
raspberry vinegar."

Greatly pleased with her simple stratagem the good soul bustled away.
Desire looked after her with a grateful smile.

"I believe Aunt Caroline likes me," she sa