And it cannot be denied that the investigation of her pet
subject, the satisfaction of her curiosity concerning occult
matters and her diligent inquiries into the mysteries of the
supernatural did lead her into places and scenes not at all in
harmony with Eunice's ideas of propriety.

"Not another word of that rubbish, Auntie; the subject is taboo,"
and Eunice waved her hand with the air of one who dismisses a
matter completely.

"Don't you think you can come any of your high and mighty airs on
me!" retorted the elder lady. "It doesn't seem so very many
years ago that I spanked you and shut you in the closet for
impudence. The fact that you are now Mrs. Sanford Embury instead
of little Eunice Ames hasn't changed my attitude toward you!"

"Oh, Auntie, you are too ridiculous!" and Eunice laughed
outright. "But the tables are turned, and I am not only Mrs,
Sanford Embury but your hostess, and, as such, entitled to your
polite regard for my wishes."

"Tomfoolery talk, my dear; I'll give you all the polite regard
you are entitled to, but I shall carry out my own wishes, even
though they run contrary to yours. And to-morrow I prance out to
Newark, N.J., your orders to the contrary notwithstanding!"

The aristocratic old head went up and the aristocratic old nose
sniffed disdainfully, for though Eunice Embury was strong-willed,
her aunt was equally so, and in a clash of opinions Miss Ames not
infrequently won out.