Julia, grateful for any distraction¹ after another sleepless² night, went to her mother’s room to relate the history of Woman’s Suffrage³ from its incipiency⁴ in the United States of America down to the present moment, when the English women, having been driven to adopt the methods of men, were confident of victory for the first time.

Mrs. Edis, who rose late in these days, was propped⁵ up in bed, wearing the expression of one who is about to enter a hospital and have the operation performed which may give her a new lease of life.

“If I must hear this tiresome⁶ story, I must,” she said. “Tell it me in as few words as possible, but leave out no detail which will make me understand it fully⁷. I read your horoscope again last night. Your destiny is too plainly writ⁸ to admit of any doubt. And it was made three times. I am an old woman to sever⁹ my mind from the ideals of a lifetime, but those frivolous¹⁰ people opened my eyes yesterday. Moreover, you can never be Duchess Kingsborough. You are not likely to have another opportunity to marry, for no child of mine would disgrace herself in the divorce courts.” Her sharp eyes never left Julia’s face. “Nor could you obtain a divorce in England. Ring the bell. I wish another cup of tea. Then you may convert me.”

Julia had made up her mind not to tell her family of France’s death until she had reached her final decision, and felt reasonably certain that Mrs. Winstone would not hear of it at Bath House. Tay would understand her desire for

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