CHAPTER XXV
RECONCILED
"Well, Irene, what is your decision about the party at Mrs. Churchill's to-night?"
"I will go with you, father, if it is a matter of so much interest to you, though, as I told you yesterday, I should prefer declining the invitation as far as I am concerned."
"It is full time for you to go into society again. You have moped at home long enough."
"'Moped' is scarcely the right word, father."
"It matters little what you call it, the fact is the same. You have shut yourself in till you have grown to look like a totally different woman. Indeed, Irene, I won't permit it any longer; you must come out into the world once more. I am, sick of your black looks; let me see you in colours to-night."
"Will not pure white content you, father?"
"No, I am tired of it. Wear something bright."
"I have a favour to ask at your hands, father, will you give me that large beautiful vacant lot with the old willow tree, on the corner of Pine Street and Huntingdon Avenue, opposite the court-house?"