be reconciled.

Patty was a born peacemaker, but she also knew that a jealous nature is
not easily placated. And she foresaw that Philip Van Reypen would be the
"bone of contention."

After Patty's marriage, Philip, a disappointed suitor, had declared
himself a confirmed bachelor. And though Elise would have looked with
satisfaction on his change of heart, it had not yet occurred.

Patty had hoped,--and thought,--that Philip would marry her cousin, Helen
Barlow; but neither of the parties had seen it in that light, and Helen
had since married her long persistent wooer, Chester Wilde.

This left Van Reypen entirely unattached, and Elise,--it could be seen by
any onlooker,--was not at all averse to his company.

And Van Reypen liked her, for Elise was pretty and charming. But when
things didn't go as she wished them to, she had a habit of sulking which
was far from attractive.

So, the very apparent interest that Philip showed in this new chit of a
girl,--as Elise dubbed Betty to herself,--was as iron entering her soul.

However, she was clever enough to hide her real feelings, and she
welcomed Chick Channing with a cordial smile.

"Let's go for a stroll round the verandahs," he proposed, and Elise
consented.

"Want a wrap? though it's warm for April," he said, as they went out the
door.

"No, thank you, I love the fresh air," and Elise waved her white arm
upward, and entwined it in the wistaria blossoms. "I've adopted this
porch,--I shall probably be with Patty a lot this summer. You'll come
up--now and then?"

"Oh, yes; it's the most charming house to visit, don't you think?"

"Great! Patty is an ideal hostess, and Bill's a dear!"

"And the kiddy,--don't leave her out"

"Oh, she's an angel. But a bit unfledged, as yet."

"Of course. But such a darling! By the way, I'm her godfather."

"Oh, are you? Then I'll be her godmother! She ought to have both."

"Certainly. Though I think I heard that Miss Gale has the position."

"Of course she has! That girl appropriates everything! I think she's too
fresh!"

"You mean that for a compliment, I'm sure. Yes, she is,--she's like a
dewy daisy--"

"Dewy daisy, nothing! She isn't so childlike as she wants to appear!"

"There now, Elise, don't talk like that! It doesn't sound pretty,--and
goodness knows _you've_ no reason to be jealous."

"What?" asked Elise, already mollified.

"Why, you, with your established place in this household, and in our
set,--mus