If her mother were at home I am sure that she would never allow Marian to have such a gown made, and I cannot fully understand what mischievous influence prompted her to make herself appear so utterly ridiculous to-night." "Miss Harlowe," said the young man, his face darkening ominously, "your tone is decidedly offensive.

Do I understand you to insinuate that I have in any way influenced Miss Barber as to her manner of dress ?" "I insinuate nothing," replied Grace, rather contemptuously.

"If the coat fits you wear it." "Miss Harlowe," answered the young man almost savagely, "I cannot understand why, after having included me in this house party, you deliberately insult me; but I advise you to be more careful in the future as to your remarks or I shall be tempted to forget the courtesy due a young woman, and repay you in your own coin." "Mr.Hammond," replied Grace with cold scorn, "I acknowledge that my last remark to you was exceedingly rude, but nothing can palliate the offense of your reply.

As a matter of interest, let me state that I am not in the least alarmed at your threat, for only a coward would ever attempt to bully a girl." With these words Grace moved quickly away, leaving Mr.Henry Hammond to digest her answer as best he might..