and purposefully climbed into the automobile she had
entered, but they were no longer alone. Only once, when he made her
dance with him in a huge, over-decorated tent, did he manage a whisper.

"No more nonsense with Dalrymple or anybody. Please stop making
unhappiness."

XIV

George returned to New York with an uneasy spirit, filled with doubt as
to Dalrymple's statement of renunciation, and of his own course in
saying what he had of Dalrymple to Sylvia. Mightn't that very expression
of disapproval, indeed, tend to swing her back to the man? When Lambert
walked in a day or two later George looked at the happy, bronzed face,
recalling his assurance that Betty wasn't one to give by halves. Through
eyes clouded by such happiness Lambert couldn't be expected to see very
far into the dangerous and avaricious discontent of the majority. How
much less time, then, would he have for George's personal worries?
George, nevertheless, guided the conversation to Dalrymple.

"He's running down to Oakmont with me to-night," Lambert said,
carelessly. "You know Betty's there with the family for a few days."

George hid his temper. There was no possible chance about this. Would
Dalrymple go to Oakmont after the breaking off of even a secret
engagement; or, defeated in his main purpose, was he hanging about for
what crumbs might yet fall from the Planters' table. Nearly without
reflection he burst out with:

"It's inconceivable you should permit that man about your sister."

Probably Lambert's great content forbade an answer equally angry.

"Still at it! See here. Sylvia doesn't care for you."

"I'm not talking of myself," George said. "I'm talking of Dalrymple."

With an air of kindness, undoubtedly borrowed from Betty, Lambert said
easily:

"Stop worrying about him, then. Giving a friend encouragement doesn't
mean asking him into the family. That idea seems to obsess you. What
difference does it make to you, anyway, what man Sylvia marries? I'll
say this, if you wish: Since I've had Betty I see things a bit clearer.
I really shouldn't care to have Dolly the man. I don't think there's a
chance of it."

"You mean," George asked, eagerly, "if there were you'd stop it?"

"I shouldn't like it," Lambert answered. "Naturally, I'd express
myself."

"See here. Dalrymple isn't to be trusted. You've been too occupied. You
haven't watched your sister. How can you tell what's in her mind? You
didn't forecast the affair with Josiah