e deuce you did! And you used my name?"

"No, sir," Steptoe returned, with dignity, "I used mine. I didn't give
no 'andle to gossip. I pyde for the things out o' some money I 'ad in
'and--my own money, Mr. Rash--and 'ad 'em all sent to me. I thought as
we was mykin' a mistyke the young lydy'd better look proper while we
was mykin' it; and I knew Mr. Rash'd feel the syme."

The situation was that in which the _faineant_ king accepts the act of
the mayor of the palace because it is Hobson's choice. Moreover, he
was willing that she should have the clothes. If she wouldn't take
money she would at least apparently take them, which, in a measure,
would amount to the same thing. He was dwelling on this bit of
satisfaction when Steptoe continued.

"And as long as the young lydy remynes with us, Mr. Rash, I thought
it'd be discreeter like not to 'ave no more women pokin' about, and
tryin' to find out what 'ad better not be known. It mykes it simpler
as she 'erself arsks to be called Miss Gravely----"

"Oh, she does?"

"Yes, sir; and that's what I've told William and Golightly, the waiter
and the chef, is 'er nyme. It mykes it all plyne to 'em----"

"Plain? Why, they'll think----"

"No, sir. They won't think. When it comes to what's no one's business
but your own women thinks; men just haccepts. They tykes things for
granted, and don't feel it none of their affair. Mr. Rash'll 'ave
noticed that there's a different kind of honor among women from what
there is among men. I don't sye but what the women's is all right,
only the men's is easier to get on with."

There being no response to these observations Steptoe made ready to
withdraw. "And shall you stye 'ome for breakfast, sir?"

"I'll see in the morning."

"Very good, sir. I've locked up the 'ouse and seen to everythink, if
you'll switch off the lights as you come up. Good-night, Mr. Rash."

"Good-night."

Chapter XIV

While this conversation was taking place Letty, in the back spare
room, was conducting a ceremonial too poignant for tears. There were
tears in her heart, but her eyes only smarted.

Taking off the blue-black tea-gown, she clasped it in her arms and
kissed it. Then, on one of the padded silk hangers, she hung it far in
the depths of the closet, where it wouldn't scorch her sight in the
morning.

Next she arrayed herself in a filmy breakfast thing, white with a
copper-colored sash matching some of the tones in her hair and eyes,
and sim