"Miss Stuart is making quite a long visit," ventured Aunt Helen patiently. "I had thought that she would soon tire of Hetherford."
"I am sure I don't see why she doesn't go away. The whole house is turned upside down to provide her with amusement. It is a perfect bore."
"My dear," Aunt Helen objected, "that is surely not the spirit of true hospitality. We do not speak ill of our guests. Noblesse oblige."
"I can't help it," and Jean, now thoroughly aroused, started up from her chair; "I am not going to pretend to like a person when I don't. She is insufferably patronizing, and I hate her."
Aunt Helen looked up at her niece with real distress in her eyes.
"Why, child," and she held out her hand, "come here. I want to speak to you."
Jean stood irresolute, looking half ashamed, and wholly miserable. At that most inopportune moment Nathalie flung open the door.
"Oh, here you are, Jean. I have been looking all over for you. Come on down and have a game of tennis before dinner. Why, what's the matter?"
Jean hastily averted her face.
"Nothing. I don't care to play tennis."