as a
fool or a madman. Grimsby divined his thoughts and his eyes twinkled
more than ever.

"Yes," he continued, "duty leads me into many places, and sometimes I
receive rebuffs. But when a man has a great mission, such as mine is,
he bears all things patiently. Patience is a great virtue, sir. It is
worthy of cultivation."

"What in h---- are you driving at?" Donaster roared. "What has
'mission' and 'patience' to do with your visit here? If you don't
explain at once I'll kick you out of the room or have you arrested."

"Go slow, young man, go slow." The smile passed suddenly from
Grimsby's face, and his eyes contracted. "I am here on business,
special business, and it concerns you. Sit down, and I shall come to
the point at once. There, now, keep cool, and do as I say. That's
better," he added, when the angry man had reluctantly obeyed. He
leaned over and looked Donaster full in the eyes.

"You want to marry Miss Randall, do you, not?"

Donaster gave a start, and stared at his visitor for a few seconds.

"Well, what business is it of yours if I do?" he demanded. "What right
have you to ask such a question? I can attend to my own affairs
without any interference from you or anyone else."

"No, ye can't, young man, and that's why I'm here. You can't marry
Miss Randall without my assistance. I'm a stand-between, you see, and
so have come to your assistance."

Donaster's face suddenly brightened, and he looked keenly at Grimsby.

"Do you know where Miss Randall is?" he eagerly asked.

"Ah, I thought I'd fetch you," and Grimsby smiled. "Do I know where
Miss Randall is? Well, we can consider that matter later. I want to
know first of all if you want to marry her?"

"Certainly I want to marry her. Do you think I'm a fool?"

"Very good, very good," and Grimsby rubbed his hands, a sure sign of
his satisfaction. "That point's settled. But the girl's not agreed,
so I understand. Is that so?"

"I'm afraid it is. However, her parents are willing, and they are the
main ones."

"Why do they wish you to marry their unwilling daughter?"

"Why? Oh, that's quite clear. They know it will be to her advantage."

"In what way?"

"From a social point of view. As the wife of Lord Donaster's son she
will occupy a very high position. She will be received into the best
families, and eventually she will be Lady Donaster. You see, I am an
only son, so the title will come to me. You can readily unde