"I think the more highly of you. Judge Lawton is an old friend of mine. His
wife, who was much younger than the Judge, was an intimate friend of my
daughter, Mrs. Abbott. Alexina and Aileen have grown up together. I find it
impossible to forbid her the house. But I disapprove of her in every way.
She paints her lips, smokes cigarettes, boasts that she drinks cocktails,
and uses the most abominable slang. I kept my daughter in New York for two
years as much to break up the intimacy as to finish her education, but the
moment we returned the intimacy was renewed, and for my old friend's sake I
have been forced to submit. He worships that--that--really ill-conditioned
child."

"Oh--Miss Lawton is a good sort, and--well--I suppose her position is so
strong that she feels she can do as she pleases. But she is all right, and
not so different--"

"Do you mean to tell me that you approve of girls--nice
girls--ladies--painting themselves, smoking, drinking cocktails?"

"I do not." His tones were emphatic and his good American gray eyes
wandered to the fresh innocent face of the girl who had captivated him last
night.

"I should hope not. You look like an exceptionally decent young man.
Have you had breakfast? Alexina, go and ask Maggie, if she has recovered
herself, to make another cup of coffee."



II