and, even at first, the things you said every now and then gave me a creepy feeling, but you were inspiring to look at—­though now that the scales have fallen from my eyes I wonder at my infatuation—­and I continued to worship you as a goddess on a pedestal.  I used to say to Gregory, ’there’s a couple who are to the manner born; they never have to make believe.  They are genuinely free and gentle souls.’  Your husband?  I can’t believe that I have been deluded in regard to him, also.  I just wonder if you appreciate him—­if it is possible that he has been deluded, also.  That’s rank impertinence, I know; but after all, we are unbosoming our thoughts to each other to-day, and may as well speak openly.  You said just now that it was his decision not to go on with the Parsons house.  Did you disapprove of it?”

“Yes, I disapproved of it,” answered Selma with flashing eyes.  “And what if I did?”

She rose and stood confronting her visitor as though to banish her from the house.

“I’m going,” said Flossy.  “It’s none of my concern of course, and I’m aware that I appear very rude.  I’m anxious though not to lose faith in your husband, and now that I’ve begun to understand you, my wits are being flooded with light.  I was saying that you were not fit to be a social success, and I’m going to tell you why.  No one else is likely to, and I’m just mischievous and frank enough.  You’re one of those American women—­I’ve always been curious to meet one in all her glory—­who believe that they are born in the complete panoply of flawless womanhood; that they are by birthright consummate house-wives, leaders of the world’s thought and ethics, and peerless society queens.  All this by instinct, by heritage, and without education.  That’s what you believe, isn’t it?  And now you are offended because you haven’t been invited to become a leader of New York society.  You don’t understand, and I don’t suppose you ever will understand, that a true lady—­a genuine society queen—­represents modesty and sweetness and self-control, and gentle thoughts and feelings; that she is evolved by gradual processes from generation to generation, not ready made.  Oh, you needn’t look at me like that.  I’m quite aware that if I were the genuine article I shouldn’t be talking to you in this fashion.  But there’s hope for me because I’m conscious of my shortcomings and am trying to correct them; whereas you are satisfied, and fail to see the difference between yourself and the well-bred women whom you envy and sneer at.  You’re pretty and smart and superficial and—­er—­common, and you don’t know it.  I’m rather dreadful, but I’m learning.  I don’t believe you will ever learn.  There!  Now I’m going.”

“Go!” cried Selma with a wave of her arm.  “Yes, I am one of those women.  I am proud to be, and you have insulted by your aspersions, not only me, but the spirit of independent and aspiring American womanhood.  You don’t understand us; you have nothing in common with us.  You think to keep us down by your barriers of caste borrowed from effete European courts, but we—­I—­the American people defy you.  The time will come when we shall rise in our might and teach you your place.  Go!  Envy you?  I would not become one of your frivolous and purposeless set if you were all on your bended knees before me.”