"In that way it can't boil over and it can't get cold," she thought.

Then she washed her hands and hurried down to the drawing room.
Until that moment she had forgotten that A.O.was there with her "suitor," but one hasty glance was all she had time to give him.

The tall lady in black was rising from her chair, was trailing forward to meet her, was exclaiming in that low full voice which had so impressed the footman.

"Ah! Joyce Ware's own little sister! You've probably never heard of me, dear, but I've heard of _you_, often.

And I knew that Joyce would want me to take back some message direct from you, so I just came out to-night for a glimpse." Not giving the bewildered Mary opportunity to speak a word, she drew her to a seat beside her and went on rapidly, talking about Joyce and the success she was making in New York, and the many friends she had among famous people.