ance came up to
greet him. To all who did so he was very gracious, and was specially
so to Lord Popplecourt, who happened to pass close by the table.

"I think he is a fool," whispered Silverbridge as soon as Popplecourt
had passed.

"What makes you think so?"

"We thought him an ass at Eton."

"He has done pretty well, however."

"Oh yes, in a way."

"Somebody has told me that he is a careful man about his property."

"I believe he is all that," said Silverbridge.

"Then I don't see why you should think him a fool."

To this Silverbridge made no reply; partly perhaps because he had
nothing to say,--but hindered also by the coming in of Tregear.
This was an accident, the possibility of which had not crossed him.
Unfortunately too the Duke's back was turned, so that Tregear, as he
walked up the room, could not see who was sitting at his friend's
table. Tregear coming up stood close to the Duke's elbow before he
recognised the man, and spoke some word or two to Silverbridge. "How
do you do, Mr. Tregear," said the Duke, turning round.

"Oh, my Lord, I did not know that it was you."

"You hardly would. I am quite a stranger here. Silverbridge and I
came up from the House together, and he has been hospitable enough to
give me a dinner. I will tell you an odd thing for a London man, Mr.
Tregear. I have not dined at a London club for fifteen years before
this."

"I hope you like it, sir," said Silverbridge.

"Very much indeed. Good-evening, Mr. Tregear. I suppose you have to
go to your dinner now."

Then they went into one of the rooms upstairs to have coffee, the son
declining to go into the smoking-room, and assuring his father that
he did not in the least care about a cigar after dinner. "You would
be smothered, sir." The Duke did as he was bidden and went upstairs.
There was in truth a strong reason for avoiding the publicity of the
smoking-room. When bringing his father to the club he had thought
nothing about Tregear but he had thought about Tifto. As he entered
he had seen Tifto at a table dining alone, and had bobbed his head at
him. Then he had taken the Duke to the further end of the room, and
had trusted that fear would keep the Major in his place. Fear had
kept the Major in his place. When the Major learned who the stranger
was, he had become silent and reserved. Before the father and son
had finished their dinner, Tifto had gone to his cigar; and so that
danger was over.

"By George, there's S