Millie: “It’s very tiresome of you, Noel, to upset everything like this. And while we’re on the subject of Aunt Connie, I want to say that I don’t mind your being polite to her, but I do not like your going about with her so much. If you had to ask her here, some other night would have done as well. I’m certain your friend Major Crosby won’t want to meet her.”
Noel: “He won’t mind. Besides, he doesn’t know anything about her. And I had a particular reason for wanting to bring her to-night.”
Gordon: “That’s settled, then. Helen and I will dine here to-morrow night, mother.”
Judy and Noel were amazed at the stand their father had taken.
“I never thought dad had it in him,” Noel said later.
“Influence of morning prayers,” answered Judy. “Father’s always nicest just after prayers.”
At ten o’clock the maid sought out Noel with the message that Countess Chiozzi was on the telephone and would like to speak to him.
“I lose, I’ll bet,” said Noel to Judy as he left the room.
“Hello, Connie!” he began cheerfully. “How’s my aunt this morning? Feeling better? Good! I was rather a beast yesterday, wasn’t I?”
“Yes, you were,” a rather dejected voice replied. “I hardly slept a wink all night. Noel, it’s … it’s breaking my heart, but I know I can’t give you up. There’s no use.… I can’t.”