frightful smells?"

"It is perfectly safe," ventured St. George, "is it not, Mr.
Frothingham?"

Mr. Frothingham bowed and tried to make non-partisanship seem a
tasteful resignation of his own will.

"I am at Mrs. Hastings' command," he said, waving both hands, once,
from the wrist.

"You know the place is really only a few blocks from Washington
Square," St. George submitted.

Mrs. Hastings brightened.

"Well, I have some friends in Washington Square," she said, "people
whom I think a great deal of, and always have. If you really feel,
Olivia--"

"I do," said Miss Holland simply, "and let us go now, Aunt Dora. The
brougham has been at the door since I came in. We may as well drive
there as anywhere, if Mr. St. George is willing."

"I shall be happy," said St. George sedately, longing to cry:
"Willing! Willing! Oh, Mrs. Hastings and Miss Holland--_willing_!"

Miss Holland and St. George and the lawyer were alone for a few
minutes while Mrs. Hastings rustled away for her bonnet. Miss
Holland sat where the afternoon light, falling through the corner