o promulgate bits of personal scandal about
him, flavored, of course, with wordy lamentations as to the views he
entertained. Thus, under the name of defenders of religion, conventional
Christians managed to appear very proper and orthodox, and at the same
time to dispose comfortably of all their sense of responsibility. There
was a meanness about their way of doing it which might have made the
very angels weep! Happily the judgments of society are not the judgments
of God.

One of the leaders of society was a certain Lady Caroline Kiteley; she
was a good-natured, hospitable creature, very anxious that every one
should enjoy life, and a great favorite with all the young people,
because she made much of them and gave delightful dances. The elders,
too, liked her, and were not oblivious to the fact that she was the
daughter of an earl, and the widow of a distinguished general. Erica had
seen her more than once during her visit, and had been introduced to her
by Mrs. Fane-Smith, as "my niece."

Now it happened that Mr. And Mrs. Fane-Smith and Rose were to dine with
Lady Caroline the week after Erica's arrival. On the very day of the
dinner party, however, Rose was laid up with a bad cold, and her mother
was obliged to write and make her excuses. Late in the afternoon there
came in reply one of Lady Caroline's impulsive notes.

"Dear Mrs. Fane-Smith, Scold that silly daughter of yours for catching
cold; give her my love, and tell her that I was counting on her very
much. Please bring your pretty niece instead. Yours sincerely, Caroline
Kiteley."

Mrs. Fane-Smith was glad and sorry at the same time, and very much
perplexed. Such a peremptory but open-hearted invitation could not be
declined, yet there were dangers in the acceptance. If Erica's name
should transpire, it might be very awkward, but she had not broached
the suggested change of name to her, and every day her courage dwindled
every day that resolute mouth frightened her more. She was quite aware
that Erica's steady, courageous honesty would unsparingly condemn all
her small weaknesses and little expedients.

Erica, when told of the invitation, was not particularly anxious to go,
for she and Rose had been planning a cozy evening at home over a new
novel upon which their tastes really agreed. However, Rose assured her
that Lady Caroline's parties were always delightful, and hunted her off
to dress at least an hour before there was any necessity. Rose was a
gre