k inquiry--

"Lonely! But, my dear, you haven't been a minute alone all day long."

"No," agreed Darsie meekly, and said no more, but the little
monosyllable was more eloquent than any disclaimer. Lady Hayes flushed,
and knitted her brows in thought.

"I must ask some young people to meet you. I have some nice young
friends living about a mile away. They are visiting at present, but
will soon be home. I will write. Naturally you miss the young
society."

She was so kind, so considerate, that it seemed mean to feel bored and
impatient; but, oh dear, how long the days _did_ seem, how dull and
monotonous the morning drive, the afternoon needlework, the evening game
of patience or bezique.

The climax came one rainy afternoon when the ordinary two-hours drive
could not take place, and the hostess and her young guest had spent most
of the day together in the library. Now it is trying for an old lady as
well as for a young one to be deprived of the usual exercise, and if
Darsie's impatience and rebelliousness of spirit were more acute than
usual, Lady Hayes was also more nervous and exacting. In this instance
the weight of the old lady's displeasure seemed to fall upon Darsie's
unfortunate coiffure. Whatever turn the conversation might take, it
returned with relentless certainty to "Your hair, my dear! When _I_ was
young, young girls wore their hair neatly braided. I intensely dislike
all this purring and elaboration. You would look a different girl if
you brushed it smoothly."

"I should," agreed Darsie coolly. "I should look a sight. _My_
pompadour is the best pompadour in my class. The girls all say so.
They ask me how I do it. I've taught lots of them to do their own."

"I'm sorry to hear it. Time enough when you come out to wear
`pompadours,' as you call them. And your bow! Ridiculous size! If it
were neat and small--"

"They wear them twice as big in America. And in France. Sash ribbons!
I would, too, if I could afford. It's the fashion, Aunt Maria. Every
one wears them big."

"Surely that is all the more reason why a sensible girl should set a
good example by being neat and moderate herself! I don't approve of
hair being allowed to grow long at your age, but if it _is_ long, it
ought certainly to be kept in bounds. Yours is hanging all over your
shoulders at this moment. Most untidy! I am speaking for your own
good."

There was a moment's chilly silence, then Darsie asked in a t