“But not nearly enough,” said her father. “I agree that Adraste ought to go into some sort of retirement, away from the publicity she has here; I was talking it over with your mother when you came in. I was telling her also that Pyrrhus has accepted our invitation, and will soon arrive. We are thinking of postponing the visit. But if he does come, I want you to entertain him with the best courtesy of the house. You won’t need to see too much of him, but he must go home thinking well of us. That is, if he comes.”

“I’m glad there’s a chance of his not coming,” said Hermione. “I don’t care to see him. Eteoneus understands him, and Adraste, and mother, but I have nothing in common with his type. In fact, I won’t see him, even if he does come!”

“You will if I tell you to!” said Menelaus.

“Father, don’t tell me to,” said Hermione. “I’d hate to disobey you, but nothing could induce me to talk to that man. Every word I said would seem disloyal.”

“Disloyal to whom?” said Helen.

“To Orestes. Father ought to tell Pyrrhus I’m engaged to Orestes. Pyrrhus, I feel, is looking for a wife, and in every moral obligation I’m practically a married woman.”

“We might as well straighten this out, once for all,” said Menelaus. “You’re not married to Orestes, are you?”

“Not yet,” said Hermione.

“And I won’t insult you by asking whether you have ignored the legal ceremony, in Adraste’s fashion. Very well. Please understand that unless circumstances greatly change, we don’t consider Orestes an eligible husband for you. We have abandoned all idea of that match. You are pledged to nobody. And if you meet Orestes secretly, without my permission, I’ll call him to severe account, and you too!”

“Menelaus,” said Helen, “don’t you think we are going about this in the wrong way? You and I don’t wish Hermione to marry Orestes, but it’s no use forbidding her to do so. She’s not a child. In fact, she may soon develop the traits of a spinster. And if you make threats, you’ll have to keep them.”

“Of course I’ll keep them!” said Menelaus. “Up to date I’ve been too mild, but I’ve learned my lesson. You always do what you like. Now if Hermione begins to imitate you in that respect, I see the last vestige of a good home disappearing.”

“I’m not imitating mother—it’s unfair even to imply such a thing,” said Hermione. “I merely keep my word with the man I’m formally engaged to. I’m trying to stand somewhat for the proprieties.”