other look down at her in astonishment, "not another word shall you
utter in that strain, nor will I listen to it." And with fine temper
undisturbed in her blue eyes, she regarded her relative.

"Dear me, Marian! I begin to notice your age more now. You shouldn't fly
into such rages; they wear on one fearfully; and especially for a
stranger too, and against your own people--how can you?"

Mrs. Chatterton drew out a vinaigrette, then a fan from a silken bag,
with clasps that she was always glad to reflect were heirlooms. "It's
trying, I must confess," she declared, alternately applying the
invigorating salts and waving the combination of gauze and sandalwood,
"to come home to such a reception. But," and a heavy sigh, "I must bear
it."

"You ought to see father," cried Mrs. Whitney, rising. "I must go at
once and tell him of your arrival."

"Oh! I don't know that I care about seeing Cousin Horatio yet," said
Mrs. Chatterton carelessly. "He will probably fall into one of his
rages, and my nerves have been upset quite enough by you. I think I'll
go directly to my apartments." She rose also.

"Father must at once be informed of your arrival," repeated Marian
quietly. "I'll send him in to see you."

"And I shall go to my apartments," declared Mrs. Chatterton
determinedly.

"Hoity-toity!" exclaimed Mr. King's voice, and in he came, with