ome to
her, she sent me word she was going to Lenox with a friend. Then, like
you, she said 'she had no liberty to invite me,' and so on. I never knew
mother act in such a way before. I nearly broke my heart about it for a
few days, then I made up my mind I wouldn't care."

"Mrs. Denning, I am sure, thought she did the wisest and kindest thing
possible."

"I didn't want mother to be wise. I wanted her to understand that I was
fairly worn out with my present life and needed a change. I'm sure
she did understand. Then why was she so cruel?" and she shrugged
her shoulders impatiently and sat down. "I'm so tired of life," she
continued. "When did you hear of Fred Mostyn?"

"I know nothing of his movements. Is he in America?"

"Somewhere. I asked mother if he was in Newport, and she never answered
the ques-tion. I suppose he will be in New York for the winter season. I
hope so."

This topic threatened to be more dangerous than the other, and
Ethel, after many and futile attempts to bring conversation into safe
commonplace channels, pleaded other engagements and went away. She was
painfully depressed by the interview. All the elements of tragedy were
gathered together under the roof she had just left, and, as far as she
could see, there was no deliverer wise and strong enough to prevent a
calamity. She did not repeat to Ruth the conversation which had been so
painful to her. She described Dora's dress and appearance, and commented
on Fred Mostyn's description of Tyrrel Rawdon, and on Mrs. Denning's
refusal of her daughter's proposed visit.

Ruth thought the latter circumstance significant. "I dare say Mostyn
was in Newport at that time," she answered. "Mrs. Denning has some very
quick perceptions." And Ruth's opinion was probably correct, for during
dinner the Judge remarked in a casual manner that he had met Mr. Mostyn
on the avenue as he was coming home. "He was well," he said, "and made
all the usual inquiries as to your health." And both Ruth and Ethel
understood that he wished them to know of Mostyn's presence in the city,
and to be prepared for meeting him; but did not care to discuss
the subject further, at least at that time. The information brought
precisely the same thought at the same moment to both women, and as soon
as they were alone they uttered it.

"She knew Mostyn was in the city," said Ethel in a low voice.

"Certainly."

"She was expecting him."

"I am sure of it."

"Her elaborate and beauti