'But I should think elegant frames would come under the head of pleasure.'
'They would not, to me, when I thought of the money they cost.'
'But Dane! with your means! Do you know what people will say of you?'
'I know,' he answered. 'The world will always find a nice name for a fellow that does not go by its rules.'
'You are so obstinate!' said the lady. 'You always were. Nothing I could say would ever move you. I shall get Arthur to talk to you. But what does your wife think of your doings?'
Dane was silent, only the corner of his mouth began to play.
'She has stockings on this minute that cost five dollars a pair, if they cost a penny. How does that fit with your wooden picture frames?'
Dane rose and rang the bell. 'You must be tired, Prudentia,' he said without the change of a muscle. 'And Prim is, I know. I shall send you to bed to get a good night's sleep, for you have a great deal to do to-morrow.'
Mrs. Coles did not know how to answer. And the servant appearing, Rollo ordered candles, and himself went with the ladies to the door of their room. There he took leave of Prim, whose face had clouded painfully, with a whispered word which brought a flush of pleasure back to it. It was not yet late. The little travelling clock was only ringing its ten musical silver peals, as Dane came back into the room. Wych Hazel was still standing as the ladies had left her, looking absently down at the picture frame. Dane came silently up and stood beside her.
'Do you think I shall ever stop being perverse?' she said abruptly.