CHAPTER VII.
HOW THE ARGUMENT GROWS HIGHER; AND HOW MARIAN LOSES HER TEMPER, AND HOW MARGARET OBJECTS TO THE RUIN OF ONE YOUNG LIFE.
"She is insufferable--intolerable!" says Lady Rylton, almost hysterically.

She is sitting in the drawing-room with Margaret and Mrs.Bethune, near one of the windows that overlook the tennis court.

The guests of the afternoon have gone; only the house-party remains, and still, in the dying daylight, the tennis balls are being tossed to and fro.

Tita's little form may be seen darting from side to side; she is playing again with Sir Maurice.
"She is a very young girl, who has been brought up without a mother's care," says Miss Knollys, who has taken a fancy to the poor hoyden, and would defend her.
"Her manners this afternoon!--her actions--her fatal admissions!" says Lady Rylton, who has not forgiven that word or two about the sugar merchant.
"She spoke only naturally.

_She_ saw no reason why she should not speak of----" "Don't be absurd, Margaret!" Sharply.