“I liked those men,” she remarked.
“You were too fresh,” he said, anxious to prick the bubble of her egotism. She made no answer, but he had the uncomfortable feeling that she knew he had been proud of her.
“If you like this new girl, and want her to stay, you’ve got to turn over a new leaf,” he warned her.
“I haven’t any new leaf,” she said.
“To turn over a new leaf means to make a new beginning, to be good, to act like a lady,” he explained.
They found Miss Barnes waiting for them. As soon as they were in their seats, aboard the train, Isabelle went to sleep, leaning against her new friend. Miss Barnes smiled, made the child comfortable, and opened a magazine, thus relieving Wally of any necessity of conversation.
As they drove up to the house, they saw Mrs. Bryce come out on the terrace, where the butler was arranging the tea-table and chairs. She wore a soft pink gown, and a broad, rose-laden hat. She looked very young and lovely. She sauntered to meet them with her slightly disdainful smile.
“Well?” she said.
Wally turned to present Miss Barnes, but Isabelle was before him.