and was apt to be regarded as an intrusion. Even though my advice might be received in respectful silence, I was aware that it was ignored as soon as my back was turned. One has more power sometimes to set forces in motion than to control them, as Bismarck lived long enough to perceive and lament (and might have lamented still more if he had lived still longer).
I hesitated a moment on my way back through the kitchen. I could see Adelina in the front hall, swathed in apron and cap of vivid hue, armed with a broom also swathed, vigorously laying down the order of procedure to Ani, her Finnish understudy, in the loud tones we so futilely adopt in speaking to foreigners. Whether it was cowardice or wisdom, I don't know, but resigning the contest, I ignominously fled up the back stairs and let things take their course.
"It would do no good now," I reflected uneasily, "and it might do harm."
I deliberately dressed and went downtown. I lunched at the Ladies' Club, telephoning home that I wouldn't be back. I knew this would suit Adelina's plans, but I had to do it because it suited mine even better.
