Laura began to feel a certain resentment. The unfortunate Gretry girl had gone away in tears. What with the embarrassment of the wrong gown, the browbeating, and the nosebleed, she was not far from hysterics. She had retired to the dining-room with Mrs. Cressler and from time to time the sounds of her distress made themselves heard. Laura believed it quite time to interfere. After all, who was this Gerardy person, to give himself such airs? Poor Miss Gretry was to blame for nothing. She fixed the little Frenchman with a direct glance, and Page, who caught a glimpse of her face, recognised the “grand manner,” and whispered to Landry:

“He’d better look out; he’s gone just about as far as Laura will allow.”

“It is not convenient,” vociferated the coach. “It is not permissible. I am offended.”

“Monsieur Gerardy,” said Laura, “we will say nothing more about it, if you please.”