As she passed the open door of the handsome dining-room, Kettle beckoned to her mysteriously.

Mrs.Fortescue walked into the room and Kettle closed the door after her.
"Miss Betty," whispered Kettle earnestly, "doan' you go into that there apiary," by which Kettle meant the aviary.

"Miss Anita is in there with Mr.Broussard, an' he got on his courtin' breeches, an' they's jest as quiet as a couple of sleepin' babies." [Illustration: "Miss Anita is in there with Mr.Broussard, an' he got on his courtin' breeches, an' they's jest as quiet as a couple of sleepin' babies."] A look of annoyance came to Mrs.Fortescue's expressive eyes.

The Colonel had imbued her with disapproval of the man of too many motors and horses and dogs and clothes and fighting chickens.
Mrs.Fortescue waved Kettle away and marched into the hall, where she met Colonel Fortescue coming out of his office.
"It's Broussard," she whispered to the Colonel.
Together they entered the long drawing-room.

Broussard and Anita were leaning forward; Anita's face was still deeply flushed.