But, with the breaking off of diplomatic relations, matters remained
for a time at a standstill. Natalie dried her eyes and ordered some new
clothes, and saw rather more of Rodney Page than was good for her.

With the beginning of February the country house was far enough under
way for it to be promised for June, and Natalie, the fundamentals of its
decoration arranged for, began to haunt old-furniture shops, accompanied
always by Rodney.

"Not that your taste is not right, Natalie," he explained. "It is
exquisite. But these fellows are liars and cheats, some of them.
Besides, I like trailing along, if you don't mind."

Trailing along was a fairly accurate phrase. There was scarcely a day
now when Natalie's shining car, with its two men in livery, did not draw
up before Rodney's office building, or stand, as unostentatiously as a
fire engine, not too near the entrance of his club. Clayton, going
in, had seen it there once or twice, and had smiled rather grimly. He
considered its presence there in questionable taste, but he felt no
uneasiness. Determined as he was to give Natalie such happiness as was
still in him to give, he never mentioned these instances.

But a day came, early in February, which was to mark a change in the
relationship between Natalie and Rodney.

It started simply enough. They had lunched together at a down-town
hotel, and then went to look at rugs. Rodney had found her rather
obdurate as to old rugs. They were still arguing the matter in the
limousine.