three or four years younger than herself, made her suddenly feel
neglected, and it displeased her.

Mona noticed it, and smiled to herself. But Patty truly regretted it,
for she had taken a decided fancy to Beatrice Gale, and as they were
neighbours, she knew the girl would be often at Wistaria Porch. And as
she had planned to have Elise with her often, also, she saw breakers
ahead, unless the two could be reconciled.

Patty was a born peacemaker, but she also knew that a jealous nature is
not easily placated. And she foresaw that Philip Van Reypen would be the
"bone of contention."

After Patty's marriage, Philip, a disappointed suitor, had declared
himself a confirmed bachelor. And though Elise would have looked with
satisfaction on his change of heart, it had not yet occurred.

Patty had hoped,--and thought,--that Philip would marry her cousin, Helen
Barlow; but neither of the parties had seen it in that light, and Helen
had since married her long persistent wooer, Chester Wilde.

This left Van Reypen entirely unattached, and Elise,--it could be seen by
any onlooker,--was not at all averse to his company.

And Van Reypen liked her, for Elise was pretty and charming. But when
things didn't go as she wished them to, she had a habit of sulking which
was far from attractive.

So, the very apparent interest that Philip showed in this new chit of a
girl,--as Elise dubbed Betty to herself,--was as iron entering her soul.