one at all. He lives in the greatest luxury, Eustace," she
continued, turning to the Rev. Mr. Medlicott. "and probably does
no good to anyone in the world."

"How can you suppose that, Aunt Caroline," Stella answered with
some spirit, "it is surely very uncharitable to judge of people by
their appearances and--and what Martha repeats to you."

Mrs. Ebley gasped--never in her whole life had her niece spoken to
her in this tone. She to be rebuked! It was unspeakable. She could
only glare behind her glasses. What had come to the girl in the
last two days--if this manner was the result of travel, far better
to have stayed at home!

Here Canon Ebley joined in, hoping to bring peace:

"You have told Eustace what is in store for him to-night, have you
not, Caroline, my dear?" he asked. "We have to put on our best and
take our ladies to the Embassy to a rout, Eustace," he went on,
genially. "There are a Russian Grand Duke and Duchess passing
through, it appears, who are going to be entertained."

"There will be no dancing, I suppose," said Mr. Medlicott primly,
"because, if so, I am sorry, but I cannot accompany you--it is not
that I disapprove of dancing for others," he hastened to add, "but
I do not care to watch it myself. And I do not think it wise for
Stella to grow to care for it, either."

"It is merely a reception," Mrs. Ebley said, "and it will be a
very interesting sight."