Virginia, an hour or so later, thought it best to tell her uncle of this meeting.

They were standing together in one of the reception rooms, waiting for some guests who were coming to dine, and were alone except for a couple of footmen, who were lighting a huge candelabrum of wax candles.
"Uncle," Virginia said, "I met Stella this afternoon, and she came and spoke to me." He looked at her without change of countenance.
"Well ?" he said.
"I thought I ought to tell you," Virginia continued.

"I was not sure how you felt about it." "I have no objection," he said, resting his hand for a moment upon her shoulder, "to your talking to her whenever you may happen to meet.

Only remember one thing! She must not enter this house.

You must never ask her here.