CHAPTERPAGE
I. Gervie Zame, Gervie Door[3]
II. The Ruffled Frock[33]
III. Their Innocent Diversions[57]
IV. Dignity and the Elephant[81]
V. The Rise of Vittorio[113]
VI. Held for Ransom[139]
VII. George Washington's Understudy[175]
VIII. A Usurped Prerogative[209]
IX. Mrs. Carter as Fate[243]
X. A Parable for Husbands[281]

GERVIE ZAME, GERVIE DOOR


Much Ado About Peter

I GERVIE ZAME, GERVIE DOOR

Peter and Billy, the two upper grooms at Willowbrook, were polishing the sides of the tall mail phaeton with chamois-skin rubbers and whistling, each a different tune, as they worked. So intent were they upon this musical controversy that they were not aware of Mrs. Carter's approach until her shadow darkened the carriage-house doorway. She gathered up her skirts in both hands and gingerly stepped inside. Peter had been swashing water about with a liberal hand, and the carriage-house floor was damp.

"Where is Joe?" she inquired.