As Mr.Raeburn said, however, all this game business is, of course, a mere incident of the general land and property system, as you will hear me expound when you come to that meeting you promised me to honour." He stooped forward, scanning her with smiling deference.

Marcella felt the man's hand that held her own suddenly tighten an instant.

Then Aldous released her, and rising walked towards the fire.
"You're _not_ going to one of his meetings, Miss Boyce!" cried Frank, in angry incredulity.
Marcella hesitated an instant, half angry with Wharton.

Then she reddened and threw back her dark head with the passionate gesture Hallin had already noticed as characteristic.
"Mayn't I go where I belong ?" she said--"where my convictions lead me ?" There was a moment's awkward silence.

Then Hallin got up.
"Miss Boyce, may we see the house?
Aldous has told me much of it." * * * * * Presently, in the midst of their straggling progress through the half-furnished rooms of the garden front, preceded by the shy footman carrying a lamp, which served for little more than to make darkness visible, Marcella found herself left behind with Aldous.