“And the Bradley woman,” added Miss Veloura.

Mr. Malleson, the elder, ate his grapefruit and remained discreetly silent.

“Why the Bradley woman?” asked Barry, bridling up.

“Because she’s a nuisance and a nobody,” was the reply.

And then little Miss Ramona, aged fifteen, who had heard some of the gossip of the town, rebuked her sister in this wise:

“You shouldn’t say such things about Mrs. Bradley, Veloura. She may be your sister-in-law yet.”

“Horrors!” The ejaculation came from the elder sister.

“Have you made up your mind to marry her, Barry?” persisted Miss Ramona.

And Barry replied doggedly: