"Do you think it is good taste to compare those two people?"
"Why not. From what you told me I gather that Valerie West is as innocent and upright a woman as Stephanie—and as proudly capable of self-sacrifice as any woman who ever loved."
"Gordon," she said, exasperated, "do you actually wish to see my brother marry a common model?"
"Is she common? I thought you said—"
"You—you annoy me," said Lily; and began to cry.
Stephanie, coming into the nursery that afternoon, found Lily watching the sleeping children and knitting a tiny sweater. Mrs. Collis was pale, but her eyes were still red.
"Where have you been, Stephanie?"
"Helping Gordon set hemlocks."
"Where is Louis?"
The girl did not appear to hear the question.