"But Oldham," with more show of interest. "Oldham! I seem to remember that. Isn't her father an old curmudgeon of a millionaire?" 

 "He was before he went to smash and died," she returned briefly. "He left a wife and one daughter." 

 "And the daughter is the fairy princess," he was evidently amused at Kitty's match‑making proclivities. "But, Kitten, unless I am assured [Pg 9]that she is under an enchantment, she will not do." 

[Pg 9]

 Again his cousin looked at him with that untranslatable expression in her eyes, a little, half‑bitter smile on her lips. "I'm only too afraid we shall be able to satisfy you in that regard," she stared before her with somber eyes. "Marcia is very lovely and very gifted. She paints wonderfully well. I have some of her water colors. You must see them." She spoke with a complete change of tone, evidently not caring to discuss her friends' distresses whatever they might be. "By the way, Bobby, don't you want to dine with me this evening? I'll be all alone. Warren is still in the West, you know. Dine with me, and we will go on to Bea Habersham's afterward." 

 "Thank you, Kitty dear, but I'm going to see Mary Garden in Thaïs, this evening, so I'll be dining early. But why won't you take tea with me somewhere this afternoon, or else give me a cup or so?" 

[Pg 10]

[Pg 10]

 "No. Can not." She shook her head decisively. 

 "Bridge?" he asked whimsically. 

 "For a wonder, no. Something far more interesting. I'm taking two women to a wonderful fortune‑teller. Quite the most remarkable creature you ever heard of. Why, Bea Habersham lost a big sapphire ring last week and this woman told her exactly where to find it, and Bea went right home and laid her hands on it." 

 "What's her name? Where is she?" Hayden asked, with mock eagerness. "Perhaps she will find the fairy princess for me." 

 They had reached Mrs. Hampton's home by this time, and she took occasion to look at him scornfully before entering. "Doubtless she will if you pay her enough," she 

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