or permanent residence," she protested, "and I assure you, I
have not even decided whether or not to build there at all. My real home
is for ever in Arcady. Do you think, seriously think, that there is
anything in Eldorado which can hold me when I see the beechwoods growing
green, and hear the fifes of June in my ears and get a whiff of the
wild-grape fragrance? Then I know that there's nothing for me but Arcady;
and it's up and away in the wake of the clover-seeking bee. But you're a
man, Bobby, who has--what is that awful phrase?--oh, yes, 'accepted
responsibilities,' and you'll stay there in Eldorado, bound by white arms
and ropes of gold."

CHAPTER XIII

Marcia had been causing Hayden much perturbation and unrest by keeping
him very sedulously at a distance. The glimpses he had had of her
recently had been few and far between, and in response to his pleadings
and reproaches, he was informed that her time was tremendously occupied
and that she was absorbed in a picture she was anxious to finish by a
certain time. In consequence, he was inordinately delighted to hear her
voice one morning over the telephone--although the reason she gave for
calling him up occasioned his undisguised surprise, for she informed him
that sometime during the day he would receive an informal invitation from
Mrs. Ames requesting him to be present at a luncheon she was giving at
the Waldersee the following day.

"Mrs. Ames! Inviting me!" Hayden uttered rapid fire exclamations. "Well,
it is a foregone conclusion that I shall not accept, of course."

"Please reconsider your decision before you so hastily decline," Marcia's
voice was full of amusement, "please."

A dreadful suspicion shot through Hayden's mind. Why was Marcia pleading
the cause of this old woman who had so abominably used her? Had Wilfred
returned to his allegiance?

Perhaps Marcia divined some of these thoughts, for she added a little
hastily, "It is in reality a luncheon given for Mademoiselle Mariposa,
and both she and Wilfred have begged me to be present. It is really for
Wilfred's sake that I am going. We have so long been good friends, you
know. When I heard you were to be invited, I suspected at once that you
would refuse."

"I certainly should have done so," interrupted Hayden grimly, "and you
know why."

"I do know," she said sweetly, "and it's dear of you; but now that you
understand things you'll accept, won't you?"

"Of course I shall, if you wish