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Pamela and Miss Sidmouth set sail three weeks later, after a stormy and trying time. At first Aunt Sophia had flatly refused even to listen when Pamela announced her intentions, and learnt, to her excessive surprise and dismay, that her usually docile ladyship could become as adamant itself.

Though still determined on her own course of unbending disapproval, Aunt Sophia spent several days in driving about from house to house, unfolding her woes and collecting opinions from the various relations. They were all agreed that Pamela’s behaviour was childish in the extreme, but the general verdict was that it would be better to let her go.

“She is quite hysterical on the subject, of course, but nothing will bring her to her senses quicker than a little discomfort. A couple of weeks with Miss Sidmouth will show her the desirability of returning to her proper place.”

“I wish Archie had never met that wretched young man,” sighed Lady Alicia Brackenridge, her delicate white face quite lined and worried. “I liked him so much too. But this is dreadful!”

“I have argued till I am worn out,” continued Aunt Sophia—she never considered Alicia’s remarks worthy of much attention—“Roger, Mr. Ratcliff—everyone has told her the same thing, and she is as obstinate as a mule.”

“I really think the only thing will be not to argue