appearance nor her own wants; she was free to comment with
amusement or wonder or admiration upon larger affairs. Rachael
wondered, as beautiful women have wondered since time began, what
held this man so tightly to this mild, plain woman, and by what
special gift of the gods Alice Valentine might know herself secure
beyond all question in a world of beauty and charm and youth.

"Well, what d'you think of her, Alice?" Doctor Gregory had asked
proudly when his wife was on his arm and leave-taking was in
order.

"Think you're lucky, Greg," Mrs. Valentine answered earnestly.
"You've got a dear, good, lovely wife!"

"And you are going to let me come and make friends with the boy
and the girls some afternoon?" Rachael asked.

"If you WILL," their mother said, and she and Rachael kissed each
other. Gregory chuckled, in high feather, all the way home.

"You're a wonder, Ladybird! I have NEVER seen you sweeter nor
prettier than you were to-night!"

Rachael leaned back in the car with a long, contented sigh.

"One can see that she was all ready to hate me, Greg; a woman who
had been married, and who snapped up her favorite bachelor--"

He laughed triumphantly. "She doesn't hate you now!"