m still asked to nearly all of the big parties; not one of
the older set has dropped me, and I could go out constantly if I chose.
But I have neither the energy nor the money. I could have presents of
ball gowns, but of course I won't accept them." She laid her hand on
Isabel's. "Don't imagine that I do not appreciate your generosity. I
shall never forget it--nor the dear childish awkward spontaneity of its
expression. But here I stay and rot."

"I heard this same lament from Lyster the other night; only he was more
cheerful about it--possibly because he has other surcease--"

"Don't waste any sympathy on us," said Miss Montgomery, contemptuously.
"There never was such a sieve as California--San Francisco--for
separating the wheat from the chaff--for determining the survival of the
fittest. If I had been worth my salt I should have conquered every
obstacle, overcome the family will, when I was young and full of hope
and vigor. So would Lyster Stone. San Francisco is stronger than we are.
That is the truth in a nutshell. Those that are stronger than she have
gone. The rest don't matter. And as so many of those that are really
gifted enjoy themselves with only an occasional spasm of self-disgust,
they are not greatly to be pitied. By and by they will outgrow even
that, and congratulate themselves that they were not of those that fled
from the good things of life."

Mrs. Hofer ran down the steps and into her automobile. "I
simply--couldn't--get--away," she cried between the agonized thumpings
of the engine. "But perhaps you were glad to be rid of me a bit. Please
don't say so, though. It would make me simply miserable."

As the car glided off, she sat on the edge of the seat facing her
guests, lightly, and with the same backward sweep of her body as when
walking. She always seemed to be fairly bursting with youthful energy,
and no bird could rival her buoyancy. She immediately assumed the burden
of the conversation.

"Dear Miss Otis! I have been meaning all day to ask you about Lady
Victoria Gwynne, but so many things have put it out of my head. What do
you think of her? I am simply mad to know. I never met any one who
interested me half so much; I couldn't make her out the least little
bit. The only time when she seemed quite alive was when she spoke of
her Jack. In the famous Elton she didn't seem to take any interest at
all. I fancy they've fallen out, for whenever his name was
mentioned--and Mr. Hofer admires him