'I don't call Raggett a society man.'

'He's a secret-society man,' said Edith. 'He wants me to be a
Legitimist.'

'Now I won't have any nonsense of that sort here,' said Bruce, striking
the table with his fist. 'Goodness knows where it will end. That sort of
thing takes women away from the natural home duties, and I disapprove of
it strongly. Why, he'll soon be asking you to be a Suffragette! I think
I shall write to Raggett.'

'Oh, would you, really?'

'I shall write to him,' repeated Bruce, 'and tell him that I won't have
these constant visits and marked attentions. I shall say you complained
to me. Yes, that's the dignified way, and I shall request him to keep
his secret societies to himself, and not to try to interfere with the
peace and harmony of a happy English home.'

He drew some writing-paper towards him.

'I'm sure he didn't mean the slightest harm. He thought it was the
proper thing, after dining with us.'

'But it isn't like the man, Edith! It isn't Raggett! He's no slave to
convention; don't think it. I can't help fancying that there must have
been some ulterior motive. It seems to me sinister--that's the
word--sinister.'

'Would you think it sinister if he never came, again?'