The Dominant Strain

midst of serious discussion. "If he hasn't already," Sally persisted; "he is bound to do it before the season is over. Then what shall you tell him?" "Aren't you rushing things a little?" Beatrix inquired languidly. "Please do remember that I only met Mr. Lorimer at the Horse Show, and that it is three weeks to Lent." "That's nothing," Sally replied flatly, but flippantly. "You subjugated Eric Stanford in half that time, and his gray matter has been in a pulpy condition ever since." "I didn't know it." "About his gray matter?" "Oh, that is congenital trouble. I mean I didn't know that I had subjugated him. Besides, that is different. He was Bobby Dane's chum, and we took him into the family." "Took him in all over," Sally drawled. Beatrix's eyes flashed. There were things she would not say to Sally; there were also things which Sally could not say to her. "I am so sorry," she said, as she rose; "but I must get ready for Mrs. Stanley's recital. How does it happen you aren't going?" "For the most ignominious of reasons. I'm not bidden. Mrs. Stanley and I were on a committee together, once upon a time. We squabbled over some amateur theatricals, and she has cut my acquaintance ever since. I always did say that there is nothing like amateur theatricals for bringing out all the worst vices of humanity. If a Shakespearian revival ever reaches the heavenly host, Gabriel and Michael will have to play Othello and Iago turn and turn about, to prevent ill-feeling. Beatrix?" "Well?" "What do you honestly think of Mr. Lorimer?" Beatrix hesitated. Then she faced her friend. "That he is the most interesting man we have met, this season." "That's not saying any too much. Still, it is an admission. Are you going to marry him?" --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.