olute ferocity.

"I don't think he would like it. And then that fortune-telling! If you
will believe me, Mary, it was very improper."

"I will not believe anything of the kind. Improper!--a joke about a lot
of picture-cards!"

"It was all about love and lovers," said Lady Susanna, not quite
knowing how to express herself, but still sure that she was right.

"Oh, what a mind you must have, Susanna, to pick wrong out of that! All
about love and lovers! So are books and songs and plays at the theatre.
I suppose you didn't understand that it was intended as a burlesque on
fortune-telling?"

"And I am quite sure George wouldn't like the kind of slang you were
talking with Captain De Baron at lunch."

"If George does not like anything he had better tell me so, and not
depute you to do it for him. If he tells me to do anything I shall do
it. If you tell me I shall pay no attention to it whatever. You are
here as my guest, and not as my governess; and I think your
interference very impertinent." This was strong language,--so strong
that Lady Susanna found it impossible to continue the conversation at
that moment. Nothing, indeed, was said between them during the whole
afternoon, or at dinner, or in the evening,--till Lady Susanna had
taken up her candlestick.

There had been that most clearly declared of all war which is shown by
absolute silence. But Lady Susanna, as she was retiring to rest,
thought it might be wise to make a little effort after peace. She did
not at all mean to go back from what charges she had made. She had no
idea of owning herself to be wrong. But perhaps she could throw a
little oil upon the waters. "Of course," she said, "I should not have
spoken as I have done but for my great love for George and my regard
for you."

"As far as I am concerned, I think it a mistaken regard," said Mary.
"Of course I shall tell George; but even to him I shall say that I will
not endure any authority but his own."

"Will you hear me?"

"No, not on this subject. You have accused me of behaving
improperly--with that man."

"I do think," began Lady Susanna, not knowing how to pick her words in
this emergency, fearing to be too strong, and at the same time
conscious that weakness would be folly----; "I do think that anything
like--like--like flirting is so very bad!"

"Susanna," said Lady George, with a start as she heard the odious
words, "as far as I can help it, I will never speak to you again."
There certa