struggle for daily bread, and the world of Lillie Pierce, with its evil
and polluting life, and the world of the little cashier-girl with its
temptations and denials. I tried to put them from me. The evening was
to be Kitty's. She took her luxuries as the birds of the air take
light and sunshine. Unearned, they seemed a right.

She did not like the dress I had on. It's a perfectly good dress.

"I'll certainly be glad when you stop wearing black. It's too severe
for you; that is, black crepe de chine is. You're too tall and slender
for it, though it gives you a certain distinction. Did Selwyn send you
those violets?"

"He did. Where's your pain? What did the doctor say was the matter?"

"I telephoned him not to come. I haven't got any pain. It's gone. I
just wanted you by myself." Kitty settled herself more comfortably in
her cushion-filled chair and stretched her feet on the stool in front
of her. "Why didn't you come to Grace Peterson's luncheon yesterday?"

"I had something else more important to do. Grace knew I wasn't coming
when she asked me. Society and Scarborough Square can't be served at
the same time." I smiled. "During the days of apprenticeship only a
half-hour is allowed for lunch. Did you have a good time?"

"Of course I didn't. Who does with an anxious hostess? One of the
guests was an out-of-town person who used to know you well. She wanted
to hear all about you and everybody told her something different. All
that's necessary is to mention your name and--"