structure,
my _mind_ is as old as it was before the treatment." She gave a slight
unnoticed shiver. "My memory, that for years before the war was dull and
inactive, is now as vigorous as ever."

Several of the women recalled those old stories of Countess Zattiany's
youth, and looked at her sharply. There was a general atmosphere of
uneasiness in the large respectable room. But whether or not they gave
her the benefit of the doubt, they had always given her due credit for
neither being found out nor embarrassing her virtuous friends with
confidences.

Mrs. Tracy was the first to break the silence. "But you will come to all
of us as long as you do stay, will you not? I do so want to give you a
dinner next week."

"Yes, yes, indeed." The chorus was eager, and sincere enough. After
all, nothing could alter the fact that she was one of them.

"Oh, I have enjoyed meeting you all again, and I am hoping to see more of
you." Madame Zattiany felt that she could do no less than be gracious.
"I have become a very quiet person, but I will go with pleasure."

"You must let us see you daily while you are with us," cried Mrs.
Goodrich, her spirits soaring at the prospect. As Mary stood up and
adjusted her hat before the mirror she felt that she had successfully
distracted their attention from a quick sigh of utter boredom. "You are
too kind, Nelly," she murmured, "but then you always were."

"Yes, go, Mary," said Mrs. Oglethorpe peremptorily, and rising also.
"Clear out and let them talk you over. They'll burst if you don't.
Human nature can stand just so much and no more."

Madame Zattiany took her leave amid much laughter, more or less
perfunctory, and one and all, whatever their reactions, insisted that she
must give her old friends the pleasure of entertaining her, and of seeing
her as often as possible as long as she remained in New York.

She escaped at last. That was over. But tomorrow night! Tomorrow
night. Every wheel and tire seemed to be revolving out the words. Well,
if he were repelled and revolted, no doubt it would be for the best. She
had made up her mind to spare him nothing. He would hear far more than
she had told those women. Certainly he should be given full opportunity
to come to his senses. If he refused to take it, on his head be the
consequences. She would have done her part.

XXVII

On Saturday afternoon as Clavering was walking up Forty-fourth Street
he met Anne Goodric