But by chance I overheard him say he was your husband." "He is." Then with an effort: "But husband or no husband, Mrs.De Peyster, I believe I would be of equal value--" "I desire no scene, no argument," interrupted Mrs.De Peyster, dignified, not a strident note in her voice--for she never lost her self-possession or the true grand manner.

"I believe you will remember, Miss Gardner, that when you applied for your present position two months ago, I told you that I made it a rule to have no servants or employees of any kind who were married.

As I desired that you should understand my reasons, I informed you that I had once had a cook and a footman who were married, and who paid so much attention to one another that they had time to pay no attention to me.

I then asked you if you were married.

You informed me you were not." "And I was not, at that time." "Indeed! Then you have married since.