n, you wouldn't trouble to give me any credit for that."
She hesitated. "What I've always hoped," lowering her voice, "that
some day I might see another one like you."

"Madame's case," said Gertie, "is a warning to me. I want the right
kind of husband, or none at all!"

From Clarence Mills, calling at Praed Street, came news that Lady
Douglass had been instructed to go abroad so soon as she became well
enough to endure the journey; to his great concern, Miss Loriner was
instructed to accompany her. Gertie asked for further information, and
Clarence replied that Henry Douglass had not given up the office in Old
Quebec Street; indeed, he recently entered a competition for plans of a
provincial art gallery, and his portrait was in some journal consequent
on the decision of the judges. Gertie presumed that Clarence did not
happen to have this with him; Clarence found the cutting in his
letter-case and presented it. (Later, it was mounted carefully and
placed in a small frame, and given a position upon her dressing-table.)
Clarence's book was out, and he had just seen a copy at Paddington,
with a card bearing the words, "Tremendously Thrilling."

On another point, Clarence was able to announce that Henry had held
something like a court-martial at Ewelme, with all concerned present.
Jim Langham gave evidence; and Lady Douglass, when her turn came,
suggested the key had been placed in her bag by Miss Loriner. Upon
which Miss Loriner declared it would be impossible, in view of this
remark, to give her company to Beaulieu; and Lady Douglass, without any
further hesitation, confessed the truth, urging, in excuse, that it was
but natural in this world to look after oneself, adding a caution to
the effect that anything in the nature of a scene would now mar the
work of the London specialist. Henry's mother, it appeared, was in
favour of taking the risk.

"I don't want to see her punished," remarked Gertie. "So long as he
knows I was not to blame, I'm perfectly satisfied."

Clarence had private audience with Mrs. Mills before going, and, as a
result, Sarah, the temporary assistant at the party, came to Praed
Street daily; Mrs. Mills admitted that, seeing her niece frequently,
any want of colour might not be so apparent to her as to any one who
saw the girl less often. Sarah's objections to living in were easy to
meet; the only other provision was that liberty should be given if her
services were required for "Puss in