The Baron rose and, lighting a cigarette, laughingly retired to the
embrasure. Mrs. Newell flung herself down and signed to Garnett to
take a seat at her side.

"Well--you've found him? You've talked with him?"

"Yes; I have talked with him--for an hour."

She made an impatient movement. "That's too long! Does he refuse?"

"He doesn't consent."

"Then you mean--?"

"He wants time to think it over."

"Time? There _is_ no time--did you tell him so?"

"I told him so; but you must remember that he has plenty. He has
taken twenty-four hours."

Mrs. Newell groaned. "Oh, that's too much. When he thinks things
over he always refuses."

"Well, he would have refused at once if I had not agreed to the
delay."

She rose nervously from her seat and pressed her hands to her
forehead. "It's too hard, after all I've done! The trousseau is