That night, at parting, Desboro retained her offered hand a trifle longer than convention required, and looked at her more curiously than usual.
"Are you enjoying the party, Jacqueline?"
"Every minute of it. I have never been as happy."
"I suppose you realise that everybody is quite mad about you."
"Everybody is nice to me! People are so much kinder than I imagined."
"Are they? How do you get on with the gorgon?"
"Mrs. Hammerton? Do you know she is perfectly sweet? I never dreamed she could be so gentle and thoughtful and considerate. Why--and it seems almost ridiculous to say it--she seems to have the ideas of a mother about whatever concerns me. She actually fusses over me sometimes--and--it is--agreeable."
An inexplicable shyness suddenly overcame her, and she said good-night hastily, and mounted the stairs to her room.
Later, when she was prepared for bed, Mrs. Hammerton knocked and came in.
"Jacqueline," she said bluntly, "what was Reggie Ledyard saying to you this evening? I'll box his ears if he proposed to you. Did he?"
"I should think not! I'd as soon expect you to marry a stable groom. He has all the beauty and healthy colour of one. Also the distinguished mental capacity. You don't want that kind."
"I'm glad of it. Did any other fool hint anything more of that sort?"
"Oho! Stuyvesant, too? Well, what did you say to _him_?" asked the old lady, with animation.
"Of course, I said no. I am not in love with Mr. Van Alstyne."
"Child! Do you realise that you had the opportunity of your life!"
Jacqueline's smile was confused and deprecating.
"But when a girl doesn't care for a man----"
The girl sat silent a moment, then shook her head.
"Nonsense! And if you feel that way, what am I good for? What earthly use am I to you? Will you kindly inform me?"
She had seated herself on the bed's edge, leaning over the girl where she lay on her pillows.
"Answer me," she insisted. "Of what use am I to you?"
For a full minute the girl lay there looking up at her without stirring. Then a smile glimmered in her eyes; she lifted both arms and laid them on the older woman's shoulders.
"You are useful--this way," she said; and kissed her lightly on the forehead.
The effect on Aunt Hannah was abrupt; she caught the girl to her breast and held her there fiercely and in silence for a moment; then, releasing her, tucked her in with mute violence, turned off the light and marched out without a word.