Page 44 (1/1)

As this flirtation progressed--for on Dora's part it was only vanity and flirtation--Ethel grewovert act which would give her an excuse for warning Dora; and one day, after three weeks of such philandering, the opportunity came

"I think you permit Fred Mostyn to take too much liberty with you, Dora," she said as soon as they were in Dora's parlor, and as she spoke she threw off her coat in a temper which effectively e this ill-nature, Ethel You were cross all the time ere at lunch You spoiled all our pleasure Pray, what have I been doing wrong with Fred Mostyn?"

"It was Fred who did wrong His coht to say such things, and you have no right to listen to them"

"I am not to blame if he compliments me instead of you He was si person"

"Of course it was Such politeness he had no right to offer you"

"It would have been quite proper if offered you, I suppose?"

"It would not It would have been a great ie to address me as 'My lovely Ethel!' He called you many times 'My lovely Dora!' You are not his lovely Dora When he put on your coat, he drew you closer than was proper; and I saw him take your hand and hold it in a clasp--not necessary"

"Why do you listen and watch? It is vulgar You told me so yourself And I am lovely Basil says that as well as Fred Do you want athe real question He had no business to use the word 'ed to Basil Stanhope, not to Fred Mostyn"

"I am Basil's lovely fiancee; I am Fred's lovely friend"

"Oh! I hope Fred understands the difference"

"Of course he does So of Mr Stanhope's rights"

"Thank you, Ethel; but I can take care of Mr Stanhope's rights without your assistance If you had said you were thinking of Ethel Rawdon's rights you would have been nearer the truth"

"Dora, I will not listen----"

"Oh, you shall listen to me! I know that you expected Fred to fall in love with you, but if he did not like to do so, a her coat at this point in the conversation, and Dora understood the proud silence hich the act was being acco such a definite quarrel flashed through her selfish little ed a thousand pardons for her rudeness And Ethel had also reasons for avoiding dissension at this ti Dora forward to explain, and Dora had a wonderful cleverness in presenting her own side of any question Ethel shrunk fro Fred, and she knew that Basil would be ly saw evil in Dora's guileless enjoyment of a clever man's company