"Nonsense, Nag! There really was a St. Juliet or Julitta, and she
was his mother, and they both were martyrs. I will tell you all the
history," began Paula; but Agatha interposed.

"You must like having him down here. Sister must be much pleased
with him. She used to like old Mr. Delrio."

"Well, we have not said much about him," owned Paula. "He does not
seem to wish it, or expect to be in with swells."

"We could not stand his being treated like a common house-painter and
upholsterer," added Vera.

"Surely no one does so," said Agatha.

"Not exactly," said Paula; "at least, he has had supper at St.
Kenelm's Vicarage with Lady Flight, and luncheon at Carrara with
Captain and Mrs. Henderson."

"Because he was DOING the child," interposed Vera; "and Thekla says
that Primrose Merrifield says that her Aunt Jane--that is, old Miss
Mohun--says that Lady Flight is not a gentlewoman."

"What has that to do with Magdalen?"

"Why, she is so taken up with those swells of hers, especially now
that there is a talk of Lord Somebody's yacht coming in, that she
would never treat him as on equal terms, but just keep him at a
distance, like a mere decorator."