"Not half so amusing as Society's according it to her," Stephanie returned.
"Bluff and arrogance wins mostly."
"If one has the requisite manner and cool nerve to carry them off," she amended.
"I don't see anything wanting in the lady immediately in our fore!" Pendleton smiled. "Only in her case, she has been doing it so long it has become part of her life—she actually does it naturally and by arrogation of divine right. It must be pleasant to have such a comfortable feeling about one's self."
Mrs. Postlewaite, in her progress down the piazza, glanced casually in and saw them.—She paused, considered an instant; then facing around, and dismissing her attendants she came over to the window.
"Stephanie, dear!" she purred, in her most gracious tones, "will you come out a moment. I've something I want to tell you."
Stephanie, dear!
It was the evidence of the return of the royal favor—the piazza had heard it—the entire Club-house would know it in a moment—it would spread like the wind.
Even Stephanie's equanimity was startled into a calm surprise, which showed in her face and in her heightened color. And coming now—of all times!