that had drawn
up at her door. "Humph!" a look of vexation mantling her face, "the
Right Reverend Monsignor Lafelle. Well," turning to Carmen, "I suppose
I'll have to send you home now, dear. But tell Mrs. Hawley-Crowles
that I shall call for you to-morrow afternoon, and that I shall speak
to her at that time about your music lessons. William, take Monsignor
into the morning room, and then tell Henri to bring the car to the
porte-cochere for Miss Carmen. Good-bye, dear," kissing the bright,
upturned face of the waiting girl. "I wish I could--but, well, don't
forget that I'm coming for you to-morrow."

That afternoon Mrs. Hawley-Crowles directed her French tailor to cable
to Paris for advance styles. Twenty-four hours later she hastened with
outstretched arms to greet the Beaubien, waiting in the reception
room. Oh, yes, they had heard often of each other; and now were so
pleased to meet! New York was such a whirlpool, and it was so
difficult to form desirable friendships. Yes, the Beaubien had known
the late-lamented Hawley-Crowles; but, dear! dear! that was years and
years ago, before he had married, and when they were both young and
foolish. And--

"My dear Mrs. Hawley-Crowles, chance enabled him and me to be mutually
helpful at a time when I was in sore need of a friend; and the debt of
gratitude is not yours to me, but mine to your kind husband."

Mrs. Hawley-Crowles could have hugged her on the spot. What cared she
that her husband's always unsavory name had been linked with this
woman's? She had married the roistering blade for his bank account
only. Any other male whose wealth ran into seven figures would have
done as well, or better.

And Carmen? Bless you, no! To be sure, Mrs. Hawley-Crowles gratefully
accepted the use of the organ and the Beaubien mansion for the girl;
but she herself insisted upon bearing the expense of the lessons.
Carmen had wonderful musical talent. Together, she and the Beaubien,
they would foster and develop it. Moreover, though of course this must
follow later, she intended to give the girl every social advantage
befitting her beauty, her talents, and her station.

And then, when the Beaubien, who knew to a second just how long to
stay, had departed, taking Carmen with her, Mrs. Hawley-Crowles turned
to her sister with her face flushed with anger. "Did you see that?"
she exclaimed, while hot tears suffused her eyes. "The hussy went away
actually laughing at me! What do you suppos