She was in no mood for arguing or for defiance of any
sort. "Peace at all hazards" was her motto just now. She was also in
so reckless a mood as to be indifferent to what any one thought of
her. The Elliot-Smiths were not in her "set." She disliked them and
their ways, but she had met Meta at a friend's house a week ago. Meta
had been introduced to Miss Oliphant and had pressed her invitation
vigorously. It would be a triumph of triumphs to Meta Elliot-Smith to
introduce the beautiful heiress to her own set. Maggie's refusal was
not listened to. She was begged to reconsider the question; implored
to be merciful, to be kind; assured of undying gratitude if she would
consent to come even for one short hour.
Miss Day and Miss Marsh were commissioned by Meta to secure Maggie at
all costs.
"You will come?" said Miss Day; "you must come." Then coming up close
to Maggie, she whispered in an eager voice: "Would not you like to
find out who has taken your five-pound note? Miss Peel is your friend.
Would it not gratify you to clear her?"
"Why should I clear one who can never possibly be suspected?" replied
Miss Oliphant in a voice of anger. Her words were spoken aloud and so
vehemently that Annie Day drew back a step or two in alarm.
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