or two then. But she'd been out since she was sixteen. She had the
bel air, she was beautiful--not as pretty as she is now, perhaps--
and of course her father was dead, and Rachael was absolutely on
the make. She took both Clarence and Billy in hand. I understand
the child was wearing jewelry and staying up until all hours every
night. Rachael mothered her, and of course the child came to
admire her. The funny thing is that Rachael and Billy hit it off
very well to this day.

"She and Clarence were married quietly, and came home. And I don't
think it was weeks, it was DAYS--and not many days--later, that
Rachael realized what a fool she'd been. Clarence had eyes for no
one but the girl, and of course she was a fascinating little
creature, and she's more fascinating every year."

"She's not as attractive as Rachael at that," said Peter Pomeroy.

"I know, my dear Peter," Miss Vanderwall assented quickly. "But
Billy's impulsive, and affectionate, at least, and Rachael is
neither. Anyway, Billy's at the age now when she can't think of
anything but herself. Her frocks, her parties, her friends--that's
all Clarence cares about!"

"Selfish ass!" said a man's voice in the firelight.

"I KNOW Clarence takes Carol and her friends off on week-end
trips," some woman said, "and leaves Rachael at home. If Rachael
wants the car, she has to ask them their plans. If she accepts a
dinner invitation, why, Clarence may drop out the last moment
because Carol's going to dine alone at home and wants her Daddy."