CHAPTER I.
THE room was hung in green of varying shades from palest malachite and réséda to deepest olive and emerald. This verdant retreat was the outcome of an essay that had fallen into Philippa Ford's hands at the time of the purchase and restoration of the old Verplank mansion in New York. One statement was to the effect that a love of green indicated strong individuality, and this appealed at once to the girl, whose keenest desire in life was to enforce her personality. Being blonde and lissome, the little reception-room framed what she was pleased to style her beauty with an added elegance and refinement, at the same time proving advantageously unbecoming to many of her callers. Just now she looked really charming as she leaned among the divan cushions, daintily gowned in a creation of cream lace and lavender crêpe that made her
