You've got a sweet little figure. Always remember mama telling you
that the most expensive corsets are the cheapest in the end."

Linda undressed slowly and methodically, her mother's words ringing
in her head. Always remember--but of course she would have the
nicest things possible.... A keepsake and faint music. She thought,
privately, that she was too thin; she'd rather be her mother, with
shoulders like bunches of smooth pink roses. In bed, just as she was
falling asleep, a sound disturbed her from the corridor above--the
slow tramping of heavy feet, like a number of men carefully bearing
an awkward object. She listened with suspended breath while they
passed. The footfalls seemed to pound on her heart. Slowly, slowly
they went, unnatural and measured. They were gone now, but she still
heard them. The crashing of her mother into bed followed with a deep
sigh. The long fall of a wave on the shore was audible. Two things
contended in her stilled brain--the mysterious feeling of desire and
her mother's advice. They were separate and fought, yet they were
strangely incomprehensibly joined.




IV


In the morning Mrs. Condon, with a very late breakfast-tray in bed,
had regained her usual cheerful manner. "The truth is," she told
Linda, "I'm glad that Jasper man has gone. He had no idea of
discretion; tired of them anyhow." Linda radiated happiness. This
was the mother she loved above all others. Her mind turned a little