This reproachful sentence was the outcome of a hot argument.

Greta had tried in her affectionate way to lavish gifts upon her
friend, but Olivia had steadily refused to allow this.

"No, Greta," she had said, "you do far too much for me already. I have
been treated like a princess for a whole month, but I will not have
presents heaped on me. Even poor people have their feelings, you know,
and rich people must respect them." But this dignified speech made no
impression on Greta.

"You may call it proper pride," she said, contemptuously, "but I call
it selfishness, for you are just depriving me of my greatest pleasure.
Well, if you choose to be stiff and obstinate you must have your way,
but you cannot hinder me from finishing those smocks." And Olivia, who
was full of admiration for Greta's exquisite smocking, announced
graciously that the smocks were to be the exception.

"I was obliged to put my foot down, Marcus," she said afterwards, "or
she would have bought everything I admired. Perhaps I am proud, but no
one but my husband or Aunt Madge shall buy my frocks." And as Olivia
said this she held up her head, and looked so dignified and handsome
that Marcus refrained from teasing her. Evidently such pride was no
fault in his eyes, and it was certain that he very much enjoyed
choosing his wife's gowns.

Greta was the first to return. The Gaythornes stayed away until the
middle of September.

When Alwyn paid his first visit, Olivia was rejoiced to see the
improvement in him. He had gained weight and flesh, and looked very
handsome; but Marcus was less satisfied with Mr. Gaythorne.

"He is an old man before his time," he observed. "I am afraid he will
never throw off his invalid habits now. He can just potter about in
the sunshine and amuse himself with his flowers and museum, but he will
never be capable of work again. The least effort to concentrate his
thoughts for more than a few minutes seems to irritate his brain.
Nothing pleases him better than to creep up to the grand new studio and
watch Alwyn at his work.

"'I shall be proud of him yet,' he said that to me yesterday, and if
you had seen his face, Livy, when he said it!"

CHAPTER XX.

"SOMEBODY'S CRUTCH."

"Of all the paths that lead to a woman's love
Pity's the straightest."--_Beaumont and Fletcher_.

One afternoon in October Olivia sat at her work in the front parlour.
She was expecting Greta to join her, and more than onc