“Thanks, indeed!  How do I qualify?”

“By your nice, kind, entertaining qualities.  You’re an all-round nice man, Chick,—­and I don’t care who knows my opinion.  And now, do you go and make up to Elise.”

“Yes, ma’am.  Between you and me, ma’am,—­she’s a bit miffed—­not?”

“Hush!  Run along and make yourself so agreeable that she’ll forget everybody else.”

Of a truth Elise was a little disturbed.  For she was of a jealous and self-seeking disposition, and resented any attentions that were not given to her.  The advent of this bright and sparkling young girl,—­probably three or four years younger than herself, made her suddenly feel neglected, and it displeased her.

Mona noticed it, and smiled to herself.  But Patty truly regretted it, for she had taken a decided fancy to Beatrice Gale, and as they were neighbours, she knew the girl would be often at Wistaria Porch.  And as she had planned to have Elise with her often, also, she saw breakers ahead, unless the two could be reconciled.

Patty was a born peacemaker, but she also knew that a jealous nature is not easily placated.  And she foresaw that Philip Van Reypen would be the “bone of contention.”

After Patty’s marriage, Philip, a disappointed suitor, had declared himself a confirmed bachelor.  And though Elise would have looked with satisfaction on his change of heart, it had not yet occurred.

Patty had hoped,—­and thought,—­that Philip would marry her cousin, Helen Barlow; but neither of the parties had seen it in that light, and Helen had since married her long persistent wooer, Chester Wilde.

This left Van Reypen entirely unattached, and Elise,—­it could be seen by any onlooker,—­was not at all averse to his company.

And Van Reypen liked her, for Elise was pretty and charming.  But when things didn’t go as she wished them to, she had a habit of sulking which was far from attractive.

So, the very apparent interest that Philip showed in this new chit of a girl,—­as Elise dubbed Betty to herself,—­was as iron entering her soul.

However, she was clever enough to hide her real feelings, and she welcomed Chick Channing with a cordial smile.

“Let’s go for a stroll round the verandahs,” he proposed, and Elise consented.

“Want a wrap? though it’s warm for April,” he said, as they went out the door.

“No, thank you, I love the fresh air,” and Elise waved her white arm upward, and entwined it in the wistaria blossoms.  “I’ve adopted this porch,—­I shall probably be with Patty a lot this summer.  You’ll come up—­now and then?”

“Oh, yes; it’s the most charming house to visit, don’t you think?”

“Great!  Patty is an ideal hostess, and Bill’s a dear!”

“And the kiddy,—­don’t leave her out”

“Oh, she’s an angel.  But a bit unfledged, as yet.”

“Of course.  But such a darling!  By the way, I’m her godfather.”