Then we'd not be tempted to kill time doing things that cause gossip, and may cause scandal." Seeing that Adelaide was about to make some curt retort, she added: "Now, don't pretend, Del.

You know, yourself, that they're always getting into mischief and getting the men into mischief." "Don't you ever feel, Henrietta, that we're simply straws in the strong wind ?" "Fate sometimes does force mischief on men and women," was Henrietta's retort, "and it ceases to be mischief--becomes something else, I'm not sure just what.

But usually fate has nothing to do with the matter.

It's we ourselves that course for mischief, like a dog for rabbits." Del, in sudden disdain of evasion, faced her with, "Well, Henrietta, what of it ?" Mrs.Hastings elevated and lowered her shoulders.

"Simply that you're seeing too much of Ross--too much for his good, if not for your own." Del's sunshade was revolving impatiently.
"It's as plain as black on white," continued Mrs.Hastings, "that he's madly in love with you--in love as only an experienced man can be with an experienced and developed woman." "Well, what of it ?" Del's tone was hostile, defiant.
"You can't abruptly stop seeing him.