might have done the
same to one of them. It isn't contrary to the rules. In fact the few
times I did encounter the old associates it was far from pleasant. There
was a feeling of constraint. There was nothing to talk about, either.
Even my manicurist and hairdresser, usually so conversational about all
the social events of the community, felt embarrassed and ill at ease,
with the parties at Grassmere, the costumes for the masquerade, Miss
Oliphant, and the Vars scandal barred from the conversation.

I was glad that Alec was away on a western trip. He, at least, was
spared the unbeautifying effect of the ordeal upon his wife and sister.
Alec hardly ever finds fault or criticizes, but underneath his silence
and his kindness I often wonder if there are not hidden, wounded
illusions and bleeding ideals. Edith and I were both in the same boat,
and we weren't pleasant traveling companions. I had never sailed with
Edith under such baffling winds as we now encountered. Squalls, calms,
and occasional storms we had experienced, but she had always kept a firm
hand on the rudder. Now she seemed to lose her nerve and forget all the
rules of successful navigation that she ever had learned. She threw the
charts to the winds, and burst into uncontrolled passions of
disappointment and rage.

I couldn't believe that Edith was the same woman who but six months ago
had nursed her only little daughter, whom she loves passionately,
through an alarming sickness. There had been trained nurses, but every
night Edith had taken her place in the low chair by the little girl's
crib, there to remain hour after hour, waiting, watching, noting with
complete control the changes for better or for worse; sleeping scarcely
at all; and always smiling quiet encouragement to Alec or to me when we
would steal in upon her. Every one said she was marvelous--even the
nurses and the doctor. It was as if she actually willed her daughter to
pass through her terrific crisis, speaking firmly now and again to the
little sufferer, holding her spirit steady as it crossed the yawning
abyss. She had seemed superb to me. I had asked myself if I could ever
summon to my support such unswerving strength and courage.

I didn't hear from Breck again until he arrived at the front door
unexpectedly one night at ten o'clock. I led the way down into the
shaded pergola, and there we remained until nearly midnight. When I
finally stole back to my room, I found Edith waiting for me,