d that is the only
reason."

Once started, her words had poured out as hot as lava which had broken
from a pent-up volcano.

"So, that is the reason, the only reason, for your coming to me with
your impertinent question?" Miss Treville laughed oddly. "Really! Do you
know, I have always suspected that the little savage whom he brought
from somewhere in the backwoods regarded him as rather more than a
guardian, or a brother ... that _was_ the pretty fiction, wasn't it?"
she added, with honey coating the vinegar in her speech.

Under the lash of the words Rose grew white again. Her hands clenched;
but, before she could answer, Miss Treville continued:

"It really seems to me that you ought to thank me for stepping aside so
obligingly."

The occupation of a high level in the civilized world, or in society, is
no proof of the Christian virtue of self-control,--that has been
demonstrated, in the case of a nation, all too clearly these last years;
and individuals are like nations, or vice versa. The feline that lies
dormant, as often in the finished product of city convention as in the
breast of the primeval woman, was now thrusting out its claws from the
soft paws of breeding. And Miss Marion Treville, leader of Back Bay
society, was rather enjoying the sensation. She had passed not a few
uncomfortable hours in company with her conscience, even while she was
yielding to the glamorous flame which surrounded her new suitor. It was
a real relief for her to be able to "take it out" on some one else, and
a victim had offered herself for the sacrifice, most opportunely.

Rose shrank back as though she had been struck; then steadied herself
and said with an effort--for her throat and lips were dry, "I think that
perhaps you were right when you called me a 'little savage.' I know that
I feel like one in my heart now, and I think, too, that it would be a
real pleasure for me to ... to ..."

The other stepped hastily back, and Rose laughed, bitterly.

"Oh, please don't be frightened, I'm not going to scratch you. We wood
people don't fight with your kind of animal, they're too unpleasant at
close range." She paused, and then went on more steadily. "I came here
... I didn't know just why I was coming,--perhaps to plead with you for
Donald's sake. That doesn't look much as though I loved him ... in the
way you insinuate, does it? No, if I had, I should have won him away
from you, long ago. It would not have been difficult, I thi