ds gracefully. You would put him to shame
in a week."

"I scarcely think I should follow your example so far," said Elnora
dryly. "I have a feeling for Philip that would prevent my hurting him
purposely, either in public or private. As for managing a social career
for him he never mentioned that he desired such a thing. What he asked
of me was that I should be his wife. I understood that to mean that he
desired me to keep him a clean house, serve him digestible food, mother
his children, and give him loving sympathy and tenderness."

"Shameless!" cried Edith Carr.

"To which of us do you intend that adjective to apply?" inquired Elnora.
"I never was less ashamed in all my life. Please remember I am in my own
home, and your presence here is not on my invitation."

Miss Carr lifted her head and struggled with her veil. She was very pale
and trembling violently, while Elnora stood serene, a faint smile on her
lips.

"Such vulgarity!" panted Edith Carr. "How can a man like Philip endure
it?"

"Why don't you ask him?" inquired Elnora. "I can call him with one
breath; but, if he judged us as we stand, I should not be the one to
tremble at his decision. Miss Carr, you have been quite plain. You have
told me in carefully selected words what you think of me. You insult my
birth, education, appearance, and home. I assure you I am legitimate.
I will pass a test examination with you on any high school or
supplementary branch, or French or German. I will take a physical
examination beside you. I will face any social emergency you can mention
with you. I am acquainted with a whole world in which Philip Ammon is
keenly interested, that you scarcely know exists. I am not afraid to
face any audience you can get together anywhere with my violin. I am not
repulsive to look at, and I have a wholesome regard for the proprieties
and civilities of life. Philip Ammon never asked anything more of me,
why should you?"

"It is plain to see," cried Edith Carr, "that you took him when he was
hurt and angry and kept his wound wide open. Oh, what have you not done
against me?"

"I did not promise to marry him when an hour ago he asked me, and
offered me this ring, because there was so much feeling in my heart for
you, that I knew I never could be happy, if I felt that in any way I
had failed in doing justice to your interests. I did slip on this ring,
which he had just brought, because I never owned one, and it is very
beautiful, but I mad