"I think the best way will be to let him come to the house,"--she spoke
with a sort of imperishable sweetness,--"but to turn Mathilde gradually
against him."

"But how can you turn her against him?"

Adelaide looked very wistful.

"You don't trust me," she moaned.

"I only ask you how it can be done."

"Oh, there are ways. I made her perfectly hate one of them because he
always said, 'if you know what I mean.' 'It's a very fine day, Mrs.
Farron, if you know what I mean.' This young man must have some horrid
trick like that, only I haven't studied him yet. Give me time."

"It's risky."

Adelaide shook her head.

"Not really," she said. "These young fancies go as quickly as they come.
Do you remember the time you took me to West Point? I had a passion for
the adjutant. I forgot him in a week."

"You were only fifteen."

"Mathilde is immature for her age."

It was agreed between them, however, that Mr. Lanley, without authority,