something told him that this shrewd American business man was not the
kind who would have the wool pulled over his eyes by anyone. Brock felt
that the support of Constance was of greater value than that of Edith at
any stage or in any emergency.

Besides, he was now quite palpably in love with her! "I've got it bad!"
he reflected in sober consideration of his plight. "But," came the
ironic justification, "I'm able to confine it to the immediate family.
That's more than most husbands can say."

The Rodneys descended upon the Bristol at five o'clock, rushing down
from the Nord-Bahnhof as if there was not a minute to spare. Constance
pursued Katherine to her room, where they revelled in the delights of a
reunion, gradually coming out of its throes as the hour for dressing
approached.

"We dine early, dear," said Constance, "with supper after the opera. I
must be off to dress."

"I am so eager to meet Mr. Medcroft. Is he nice?"

"He's the dearest thing in the world," cried the other, her cheeks
aglow.

"I'm so glad, on Edith's account. Most of these English matches turn out
abominably," commented Miss Rodney, who was twenty, very pretty, and
very worldly. "Oh, did I tell you that Freddie Ulstervelt is with us?"

"No!"