must not go yet, Adriana. I want to consult you about Rose. Her
affairs seem to be in a very bad way. We will waive all discussion of
the causes for this condition at present, and just consider what is
best to be done."

"Antony will return for one word of contrition."

"But if Rose will not say that word?"

"She ought to say it."

"Never mind the 'ought.' We have to work with events as they are. Now,
she is too much alone. I am afraid of solitude for her. She will be in
danger of flying for comfort or oblivion, where it is destruction to
go. You understand?"

"Yes."

"Yes. But 'yes' does not mend matters. She says she has not been out
of her house for a month. That will not do. She must have the world
round her. She must go to church. To go to church regularly will keep
the world her friend; and I will see that she performs that duty. Can
you not help me in other matters?"

"Rose has not spoken to me since--the day that her baby died. I do not
think she will speak to me. I will do anything I can. What do you
propose?"

"I want her to open her house--to give a few quiet receptions or
dinners--such events as are quite proper in her circumstances. Of
course I shall be with her, and if you could get Miss Alida Van Hoosen
to come to her initial dinner, it would give the stamp necessary for
their respectability. Of course, you and Harry will be there."

"Mother, I do not believe Rose will ask us; but if she does, we will
overlook the past."

"For heaven's sake, do not talk about 'overlooking' things. Take up
life where it was pleasantly dropped, and bury the interval. Will you
get Miss Alida's promise to endorse Rose?"

"I will ask for it. She is a very determined woman, and Rose has been
obtrusively rude to her."

"None of you seems to have understood Rose, or to have remembered how
broken-hearted she was about baby's death. Something may be excused on
that account, I think. Will you go now and see Miss Alida? I should
like to know who I can depend upon."

Then Adriana went. The duty set her was not a pleasant one, especially
as Mrs. Filmer was certain she ought to succeed in it. At this crisis
she found it easy to recollect the tie of blood, and to expect from
Miss Van Hoosen as a right what Adriana was doubtful of obtaining even
as a favor.

She found Miss Alida in, but dressed ready for her drive, and in a
radiantly good-natured mood. So Adriana, hoping everything from a
woman so cheerful and affectio