gravely, almost timidly, and in the new self-consciousness that had
suddenly come to them both it was with difficulty that even the
commonplace words of greeting were accomplished, and it was with
evident relief that she turned from him to ask her guests to come
into the dining-room.

Warm daylight was still pouring into the drawing-room at seven
o'clock, and in the pleasant dining-room, too, there was no other
light. The windows here were wide open, and garden scents drifted in
from the recently watered flower-beds. The long table, simply set,
was ornamented only by low bowls of the lovely San Rafael roses.

Guided and stimulated by the hostess, the conversation ran in a gay,
unbroken stream, for the painter liked to talk, and Santa Paloma
enjoyed him. But under it all the women guests were aware of an
almost resentful amazement at the simplicity of the dinner. When,
after nine o'clock, the ladies went into the drawing-room and
settled about a snapping wood fire, Mrs. Lloyd could not resist
whispering to Mrs. Apostleman, "For a COMPANY dinner!" Mrs. Adams
was entirely absorbed in deciding just what position she would take
when Mrs. White alluded to the affair the next day; but Mrs. White
had come primed for special business this evening, and she took
immediate advantage of the absence of the men to speak to Mrs.
Burgoyne.

"As president of our little club," said she, when they were all
seated, "I am authorized to ask you if I may put your name up for
membership, Mrs. Burgoyne. We are all members here, and in this
quiet place our meetings are a real pleasure, and I hope an
education as well."