"Angelica, if any other person comes into the house, you are to say that young Mrs.De Peyster is your daughter.

You understand ?" Mrs.De Peyster nodded.
"And of course you'll say it ?" For a moment Mrs.De Peyster was again rigid.

Then slowly she nodded.
The spirit of the masquerade seized upon Mary.

"Oh, mother dear,--what a comfort to have you!" she cried with mischievous glee; and arms wide as if for a daughterly embrace she swept toward Mrs.De Peyster.
Mrs.De Peyster shriveled back.

She stopped living.