graceful as the gait of a hobbled-horse, and dancing an
utter impossibility unless the gown is held up. It was a most advanced
style, out-Parisianing the Parisian. When Juno prepared to get into it,
even Rosalie, charming beyond words in a pink chiffon, had cried:

"Why, Juno Gibson, it's lucky for you Mrs. Vincent isn't here. You'd
never go to the hop in that dress."

"Well, she isn't here, so calm yourself."

But the climax came as they were crossing Wilmot's reception hall on
their way up from dinner. Mrs. Harold was walking just behind her flock,
Peggy with her, fully conscious of the tension matters had assumed, for
modest little Peggy had been too closely associated with Polly and Mrs.
Harold not to have stored away considerable rational worldly knowledge
and some very sane ideas.

As they were about to ascend the stairs Juno with well affected
indifference caught up her train, thereby revealing the latest
idiosyncrasy of the feminine toilet. She wore silver slippers and black
silk tights and had quite dispensed with petticoats. The stage and the
Hotel Astor had developed Juno's knowledge of _la mode en regle_ at a
galloping pace.

Some of the girls gave little gasps, and amused smiles flitted across
the faces of the people within range. Mrs. Harold colored to her
forehead.

When they reached her corridor she said to Juno:

"Little girl, will you come into my room a moment?'

"Certainly, if you wish it, Mrs. Harold," was the reply in a tone which
meant that Juno had instantly donned her armor of repulsion

Seating herself upon a low chair, Mrs. Harold drew a hassock to her
side, motioning Juno to it. The seat might have been accepted with a
better grace. Mrs. Harold took the lovely, rebellious face in both her
hands, pressed her lips to the frowning forehead, and said gently:

"Honey, smoothe them out, please, and, remember that what I am about to
say to you is said because Peggy's and Polly's friends are mine and I
love them. Yes, and wish them to learn to love me if possible. Nothing
is dearer to me than my young people and I long to see all that is best
and finest developed in them. You have come to me as a guest, dear, but
you have also come to me as my foster-daughter pro tem, and as such,
claim my affectionate interest in your well-being. Mother and daughter
are precious names."

There was a slight pause, in which Juno gave an impatient toss of her
handsome head and asked in a bitterly ironical