racious. For one thing she was greatly impressed at the thought that
Patricia was to become Lady Peter Bowen. As the aunt of Lady Peter
Bowen, Miss Brent saw that her own social position would be
considerably improved. She saw herself taking precedence at Little
Milstead and issuing its social life and death warrants. Apart from
these considerations Miss Brent was not indifferent to Lady Tanagra's
personal charm.

"Tan's parlour tricks," as Godfrey Elton called them, were notorious.
Everyone was aware of their existence; yet everyone fell an instant
victim. A compound of earnestness, deference, pleading, irresistible
impertinence and dignity, they formed a dangerous weapon.

Lady Tanagra's position among her friends and acquaintance was unique.
When difficulties and contentions arose, the parties' instinctive
impulse was to endeavour to invest her interest. "Tanagra is so
sensible," outraged parenthood would exclaim; "Tan's such a sport.
She'll understand," cried rebellious youth. People not only asked Lady
Tanagra's advice, but took it. The secret of her success, unknown to
herself, was her knowledge of human nature. Even those against whom
she gave her decisions bore her no ill-will.

Her manner towards Miss Brent was a mixture of laughter and
seriousness, with deft little touches of deference.

"I've come to apologize for everybody and everything, Miss Brent," she
cried; "but in particular for myself." Lady Tanagra chatted on gaily,
"sparring for an opening," Elton called it.

"You mustn't blame Patricia," she bubbled in her soft musical voice,
"it's all Peter's fault, and where it's not his fault it's mine," she
proceeded illogically. "You won't be hard on us, will you?" She
looked up at Miss Brent with the demureness of a child expecting severe
rebuke for some naughtiness.

Miss Brent's eyes narrowed and the firm line of her lips widened.
Patricia recognised this as the outward evidences of a smile.

"I confess, I am greatly puzzled," began Miss Brent.

"Of course you must be," continued Lady Tanagra, "and if you were not
so kind you would be very cross, especially with me. Now," she
continued, without giving Miss Brent a chance of replying, "I want you
to do me a very great favour."

Lady Tanagra paused impressively, and gave Miss Brent her most pleading
look.

Miss Brent looked at Lady Tanagra with just a tinge of suspicion in her
pea-soup coloured eyes.

"May I ask what it is?" she enq