WHITEWASH
ing. "You see, since my older sister married, there's no one to do the honors, and that sort of thing. If it weren't for that, I should still be in Paris, or next door to your studio. But there is not a female soul at the embassy, and my father is becoming restive."
"Oh, dear!" said Victoria.
"Now suppose," Sonia continued, "you and Mrs. Durham pack your boxes and come with me for a month or two, or three—what do you say, old lady?"
The old lady ceased chewing the penholder. "Well, if Victoria will pull out for a week or so, I will—but I haven't any clothes to speak of—"
"Don't speak of them, then."
"You're doing me out of my pet lounging-place," Morton growled. "What am I to do for my woman's club?"
"You might come, too. Aren't you jealous? Aren't you afraid to let Victoria be seen among all our good-looking, uniformed Russians?" demanded Sonia, as one with a grievance.
"No," broke in Mrs. Durham, with annoyance
