"It is that very point--the suggestion of fashion that I object
to--the wife of a clergyman cannot be too careful not to make
herself attractive or remarkable in any way," he said
sententiously, his obstinate chin a little forward.

"But I am not a clergyman's wife yet," said Stella with some
feeling, "and can surely enjoy a few things of my age until I am--
and doing my hair how I please is one of them."

Mr. Medlicott shrugged his shoulders, he refused to continue this
unseemly altercation with his betrothed. He would force her to see
reason when once she should be his wife, until then he might have
to waive his authority, but should show her by his manner that she
had offended him, and judging from the attitudes of the adoring
spinsters he had left at Exminster that should be punishment
enough.

He turned to the Aunt Caroline now and addressed her exclusively
and Stella rebelliously moved her seat back a few inches and
looked across the room; and at that moment the tall, odd-looking
Russian came in, and retired to a seat far on the other side,
exactly opposite them. Here he ordered a hock and seltzer with
perfect unconcern, and smoked his cigarette. Miss Rawson could
hardly bear it.

"There is that extraordinary man again, Stella," Mrs. Ebley turned
to her and said. "I thought he had gone as he was not at luncheon
to-day. I am sure your fiance will agree with me that such an
appearance is sacrilegious--he must know he looks like a saint--
and I am quite sure, from what I have heard from Martha, he is not