at's what's the matter," he announced
with a profound air of wisdom.

Patricia shook her head with an air of finality; but Mr. Triggs
continued to nod his head wisely.

"That's what's the matter," he muttered. "Why," he added, "you'll
never get another young chap like 'im. Took a great fancy to 'im, I
did. Now all you've got to do is just to kiss and make it up. Then
you'll feel 'appier than ever afterwards."

Patricia realised the impossibility of conveying to Mr. Triggs that her
decision was irrevocable. Furthermore she was anxious that he should
go, as she had promised to get out certain statistics for Mr. Bonsor.

"Now you really must go, Mr. Triggs. You won't think me horrid, will
you, but I had a half-holiday the other day, and now I must work and
make up for it. That's only fair, isn't it?"

"Very well, me dear, I can't stay. I'll be off and get out of your
way. Now don't forget. Make it up, kiss and be friends. That's my
motto."

"It isn't a quarrel, Mr. Triggs; but it's no use trying to explain to
anyone so sweet and nice as you. Anyhow, I have broken off the
engagement, and Lord Peter is in no way to blame."

"Well, good-bye, me dear. I'll see you again soon," said Mr. Triggs,
still nodding his head with genial conviction as to the rightness of
his diagnosis. "And now I'll be trottin'. Don't forget," and with a
final look over his shoulder and another nod of wisdom he floated out
of the room, seeming to leave it cold and bare behind him.

"Well, I'm blowed!" he muttered as he walked away from Eaton Square.
Arrived at the corner of Eaton Place, he stood still as if uncertain
what direction to take. Seeing a crawling taxi he suddenly seemed
inspired with an idea.

"Hi! Hi! Taxi!" he shouted, waving his umbrella. Having secured the
taxi and given the man instructions to drive to the Quadrant, he hauled
himself in and sat down with a sigh of satisfaction.

It was a few minutes to one as he asked for Lord Peter Bowen at the
enquiry-office of the Quadrant. Two minutes later Peel descended in
the lift to inform him that his Lordship had not yet returned to lunch.
Was Mr. Triggs expected?

"Well, no," confessed Mr. Triggs, looking at Peel a little uncertainly.
"'E wasn't expecting me; but 'e asked me the other night if I'd call in
when I was passing, and as I was passing I called in, see?"

For a moment Peel seemed to hesitate.

"His Lordship has a luncheon engagement, sir," he said