timid. And she was bright, unaffected, responsive. Could anything be
more reassuring? There was nothing to be apprehended by the socially
ambitious, the proud housewives, or those prudent dames whose amours
were conducted with such secrecy that they might too easily be
supplanted by a predatory coquette. The girls drew little unconscious
sighs of relief. Sally Ballinger vowed she would become her intimate
friend, Sibyl Geary that she would copy her gowns. Mrs. Abbott
succumbed. In short they all took her to their hearts. She was one of
them from that time forth and the reign of crinoline was over.




III


The Talbots remained to supper and arrived at the Occidental Hotel
at the dissipated hour of half past nine. As they entered their suite
the bride took her sweeping skirts in either hand and executed a pas
seul down the long parlor.

"I was a success!" she cried. "You were proud of me. I could see it.
And even at the table, although I talked nearly all the time to Mr.
McLane, I never mentioned a book."

She danced over and threw her arms about his neck. "Say you were
proud of me. I'd love to hear it."

He gave her a bear-like hug. "Of course. You are the prettiest and
the most animated woman in San Francisco, and that's saying a good