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Donovan Farrant and his wife were already far from Greyshot,
driving along the quiet country road to Oakdene Manor.
A lovely girl, Mrs. Farrant was saying. I should like to know
her better. Tonight I had the feeling somehow that she was
purposely keeping on the surface of things, one came every now and
then to a sort of wall, a kind of hard reserve.
Who can wonder! exclaimed Donovan. I am afraid, Gladys, the old
proverb will have a very fair chance of being fulfilled. That
child has come out seeking wool, and as likely as not she'll go
home shorn.
Society can be very cruel! signed Gladys. I did so long to get
to her after dinner; but Lady Caroline kept me, I do believe,
purposely.
Lady Caroline and Mr. Cuthbert will little dream of the harm they
have done, said Donovan. I think I understand as I never
understood before the burning indignation of that rebuke to the
Pharisees 'Full well ye reject the commandment of god that ye may
keep your own traditions.'
In the meantime there was dead silence in the FaneSmiths' carriage, an ominous silence. There was an unmistakable cloud on
Mr. FaneSmith's face; he had been exceedingly annoyed at what had
taken place, and with native perversity, attributed it all to
Erica. His wife was miserable. She felt that her intended
kindness had proved a complete failure; she was afraid of her
husband's clouded brow, still more afraid of her niece's firmly
closed mouth, most afraid of all at the thought of Lady Caroline's
displeasure. Nervous and overwrought, anxious to conciliate all
parties, and afraid of making matters worse, she timidly went into
Erica's room, and after beating about the bush for a minute or two,
plunged rashly into the sore subject.
I am so sorry, dear, about tonight, she said. I wish it could
have been prevented.
Erica, standing up straight and tall in her velveteen dress, with
a white shawl half thrown back from her shoulders, looked to her
aunt terribly dignified and uncompromising.
I can't say that I thought them courteous, she replied.
It was altogether unfortunate, said Mrs. FaneSmith, hurriedly.
I hoped your name would not transpire; I ought to have suggested
the change to you before, but
What change? asked Erica, her forehead contracting a little.
We thought we hoped that perhaps, if you adopted our name, it
might prevent unpleasantness. Such things are done, you know, and
then, too, we might make some arrangement about your grandfather's
money, a part of which I feel is now yours by right. Even now the
change would show people the truth, would save many disagreeables.
During this speech Erica's face had been a study; an angry glow of
color rushed to her cheeks, her eyes flashed dangerously. She was

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