l.

"Why? Oh, I don't know. All we advanced women get our hair cut. I
imagine we have a right to do so, and that by going cropped we assert
that right."

"I see," said Nell. "But isn't it--a pity?"

Lady Wolfer looked at her curiously, with an expression which Nell did
not understand at that early period of their acquaintance.

"Does it matter?" she said. "We women have been dolls too long----"

"But there are short-haired dolls," said Nell, with her native
shrewdness.

Lady Wolfer did not seem offended.

"That was rather smart," she remarked. "Take care, or we shall have you
on a public platform before long, my dear."

"Oh, I hope not! I mean--I beg your pardon."

"Not at all," said Lady Wolfer, with no abatement of her good humor.
"There's no danger--fortunately, for you. No, my dear; I can see that
yours is a very different metier. Your role is the 'angel of the
house'--to be loved and loving." She turned to the desk as she spoke,
and did not see the flush that rose for an instant to poor Nell's pale
face. "You will always be the woman in chains--the slave of man. I hope
the chain will be of roses, my dear."

She stifled a sigh as she finished the pretty little sentence; and Nell,
watching her, saw the expression of unrest and melancholy on her
ladyship's face again. Nell wondered what was the matter, and was still
wondering when there came a knock at the door.

"Come in!" said Lady Wolfer; and a gentleman entered. He was young and
good-looking, his tall figure clad in the regulation frock coat, in the
buttonhole of which was a delicate orchid. The hat which he carried in his
lavender-gloved hands shone as if it had just left the manufacturer's
hands, and his small feet were clad in the brightest of patent-leather
boots.

"I beg pardon!" he began, in the slow drawl which fashion had of late
ordained. "Didn't know you weren't alone. Sorry!"

At the sound of his voice a faint flush rose to Lady Wolfer's rather
pretty face.

"Oh, it's you, is it?" she said, nodding familiarly. "I thought it was
Burden."

"I've come to take you to the meetin'," said the beautifully dressed
gentleman, clipping off his "g" in the manner approved by the smart set.

"Thanks. This is Sir Archie Walbrooke," said Lady Wolfer, introducing
him; "and this is my cousin--we are cousins, you know, my dear--Miss
Lorton."

Sir Archie bowed, and stared meditatively at Nell.

"Goin' to the meetin', too?" he asked. "Hope so, I'm su