ty times the first night you had it! I did the same with Jimmie's.
It was a horse-shoe--that big!--of near-diamonds. I never wear it now,
but I wouldn't part with it for the world."

Virginia smiled.

"Jimmie's a pretty good husband, isn't he?" she said.

"Yes, indeed. He's stubborn at times--and cranky--and selfish--and
wants everything his own way, but he's pretty good as husbands go! And
then--we've got the baby."

At that moment Josephine re-entered with the coat and hat which she
put down on a chair near the dressing table.

"Anything else, Madame?"

"No, Josephine, you needn't wait."

"Oui, Madame."

When the girl had left the room Fanny said:

"Josie's an awfully nice girl. Where did you get her?"

Before her sister could answer the question the door opened and the
master of the house entered.

Chapter XVII

Stafford smiled pleasantly when he saw the two women and only a close
observer would have noticed that his greeting lacked its customary
spontaneity and heartiness. He at once made himself particularly
agreeable to Fanny; but, while he chatted and laughed with his
sister-in-law, anyone could see that he studiously avoided addressing
his wife directly or even meeting her eye. To one who knew him well,
his manner would have seemed unusually nervous and embarrassed.

The truth was that Robert Stafford felt very much of a fool. If he did
not dare look Virginia in the face this morning it was because he was
heartily ashamed of himself. He had only a faint recollection of what
had happened the previous evening, but Virginia's coolness at
breakfast had told him enough. It hurt his pride to think that he, who
prided himself on being able to control thousands of workmen, failed
utterly when it came to a question of controlling himself. That
Virginia resented his conduct of the night before was very apparent.
She was deeply offended and no doubt hated him. What would she do?
Would this little domestic storm blow over as the others had done
before or would there be a tremendous row, ending in no one knew what?
The best plan was to appear as unconcerned as possible and leave
matters to shape themselves. Looking round he asked:

"Has Jimmie gone?"

"Yes!" replied Fanny. Quickly she added: "He was a little bit worried
though because--"

"Worried--why?" he demanded.

"Oh, nothing!"

The millionaire looked searchingly at his sister-in-law. Imperatively
he demanded:

"Why was he worried? Tel