"It's worse than being immoral." "Far, _far_ worse!" Mrs.Bethune leans back in her chair, and laughs aloud.

"Well, I'm not immoral," says she.
Her laughter rings through the room.

The hot sun behind her is lighting the splendid masses of her red hair, and the disdainful gleam that dwells in her handsome eyes.
"Of course not," says Lady Rylton, a little stiffly; "even to _mention_ such a thing seems to be--er--a little----" "_Only_ a little ?" says Mrs.Bethune, arching her brows.

"Oh, Tessie!" She pauses, and then with an eloquent gesture goes on again.

"After all, why shouldn't I be immoral ?" says she.