The girl allowed herself to be led upstairs, walking, thought Dolly, with a too docile precision. Her dark beautiful eyes were blank and fixed. She seemed not to hear when Mrs. Gallatin addressed some civil remark to her. Dolly's kind heart was dismayed. She kept Theodosia close to her, covering the girl's behavior with a graceful screen of tactful chatter.

When the other ladies had withdrawn a little, and there was opportunity, she gently patted Theo's hand. 'You're not happy, dear. What is it? Can I help?'

Theo started, her small face convulsed. 'Happy!' she cried, with explosive bitterness. 'Is anyone happy?'

Dolly smiled. 'I am. You won't believe me, dear, you're too young, but happiness comes from acceptance, from ceasing to struggle with things you cannot change. And it lies in small, unconsidered joys, the beauty of flowers, a cup of tea beside the fire with a friend, the pleasure of good conversation, music——' She spoke with unaccustomed seriousness. But she saw that it was of no use. The girl was deep in an emotional crisis, where she could not be reached by tame philosophizing. Dolly had formed a shrewd idea as to the cause of the trouble. Lewis and Theodosia had been transparent enough to her worldly-wise eyes. But there was nothing to be done about that. It would pass, as all violent emotions passed. One worked through them somehow to peace.

'At any rate, smile, Theodosia,' she urged affectionately. 'You must never let the world read your pain, whatever it is. Nakedness of the spirit in public is far more lewd than nakedness of the body.'

Theodosia reddened. The gentle reprimand was deserved. She had been false to her father's training, false to her own ingrained social discipline. 'I'm sorry, ma'am. You're quite right.'

Dolly nodded approval, pulled a tiny gold snuffbox from her reticule. 'I am now about to indulge in one of the small joys I spoke of,' she laughed. 'I believe many people arc shocked by it, but it gives me pleasure and I am stubborn.'

She applied a hearty pinch to cach nostril and sniffed with a sort of humorous voluptuousness. This produced the effect she had intended. Theodosia smiled a little.

'That's right, my child. You have a lovely smile. Now let os join the other ladies, whom I hear chattering in French for the sake of poor Mrs. Turreau. I know that in languages you are most proficient, and alas, I am not. So you must assist my stumbling efforts.'

She drew Theo with her and joined the other ladies.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN