"How can I get at him? He'll come when he's ready," Fleda replied. Mrs. Gereth, considering, appeared to fall in with the girl's fine humor. "Poynton was too splendidly happy."!

Mrs. Gereth jumped at this. "So that she'll break altogether if I keep them?" "Everything?" Fleda gasped.

"Oh, that's what I should call it!" Fleda laughed, to her own surprise. "That was why his father, whom he exactly resembles, needed me. And I didn't fail his father," said Mrs. Gereth. She gave Fleda a moment to appreciate the remark; after which she pursued: "Mona Brigstock isn't weak; she's stronger than you!" "I was embarrassed, for I saw my danger—the danger of her going home and saying to Mona that I was backing you up. It had been a bliss to learn that Owen had really turned to you, but my joy didn't put me off my guard. I reflected intensely for a few seconds; then I saw my issue."