Kent McKibben and Taylor Lord, very well aware of the rumors now flying about, called, but in a remote and troubled spirit.

Aileen saw that, too.

An affair of this kind, with only these two and Mrs.Webster Israels and Mrs.Henry Huddlestone calling, was a sad indication of something wrong.

She had to plead illness and excuse herself.

The third week, fearing a worse defeat than before, Aileen pretended to be ill.