his head the story would come out and soon cease to bear any
semblance to the truth. She wished she had some one to advise her.
What _did_ insulted women do?

But she could not think in this horrible carriage. It would be at
least an hour before she saw Howard. She would bathe her face in cold
water and try to think.

The hack stopped again and the coachman left the box.

"It's only a few blocks now, ma'am," he said, as he opened the door.
"I haven't much time--"

Madeleine almost sprang out. She opened her purse. He accepted the
large bill with a grin on his good-natured face.

"That's all right, Mrs. Talbot. I wouldn't have spoke of it nohow.
The Doctor and me's old friends. But I'm just glad old Ben got what
he deserved. The impudence of him! You--well!--Good day, ma'am."

He paused as he was climbing back to the box.

"If you don't mind my giving ye a bit of advice, Mrs. Talbot--I've
seen a good bit of the world, I have--this is a hot city, all right--
I just wouldn't say anything to the doctor. Trouble makes trouble.
Better let it stop right here."

"Thanks, Thomas. Good-by."

And Madeleine strode down the street as if the furies pursued her.