did not want ever to see or hear of her again.

And now, of course, Valancy was here. With tragedy and disgrace and scandal trailing after her visibly.

“So I see,” said Mrs. Frederick. “May I ask why?”

“Because — I’m — not — going to die,” said Valancy huskily.

“God bless my soul!” said Uncle Benjamin. “Who said you were going to die?”

“I suppose,” said Cousin Stickles shrewishly — Cousin Stickles did not want Valancy back either — ”I suppose you’ve found out he has another wife — as we’ve been sure all along.”

“No. I only wish he had,”