it to Elaine." She glanced about the table to see the
effect of this.

Her brother laughed. "Why Elaine?"

"I don't know; it sounds more--more Polish," said
Janey, blushing.

"It sounds more conspicuous; and that can hardly be
what she wishes," said Mrs. Archer distantly.

"Why not?" broke in her son, growing suddenly
argumentative. "Why shouldn't she be conspicuous if
she chooses? Why should she slink about as if it were
she who had disgraced herself? She's `poor Ellen'
certainly, because she had the bad luck to make a wretched
marriage; but I don't see that that's a reason for hiding
her head as if she were the culprit."

"That, I suppose," said Mr. Jackson, speculatively,
"is the line the Mingotts mean to take."

The young man reddened. "I didn't have to wait for
their cue, if that's what you mean, sir. Madame Olenska
has had an unhappy life: that doesn't make her an
outcast."

"There are rumours," began Mr. Jackson, glancing
at Janey.