the
strength, the physical and mental strength, of her father.

It need surprise no one, it did not appear to surprise Sir Rupert, if
such an education made Helena Langley what ill-natured people called a
somewhat eccentric young woman. Brought up on a manly system of
education, having a man for her closest companion, learning much of the
world at an early age, naturally tended to develop and sustain the
strongly marked individuality of her character. Now, at
three-and-twenty, she was one of the most remarkable girls in England,
one of the best-known girls in London. Her independence, both of thought
and of action, her extended knowledge, her frankness of speech, her
slightly satirical wit, her frequent and vehement enthusiasms for the
most varied pursuits and pleasures, were much commented on, much admired
by some, much disapproved of by others. She had many friends among women
and more friends among men, and these were real friendships, not
flirtations, nor love affairs of any kind. Whatever things Helena
Langley did there was one thing she never did--she never flirted. Many
men had been in love with her and had told their love, and had been
laughed at or pitied according to the degree of their deserts, but no
one of them could honestly say that Helena had in any way encouraged his
love-making, or tempted him with false hopes, unless indeed the
masculine frankness of her friendship was an encouragement and a
treacherous temptation. One and all, she unhesitatingly refused her
adorers. 'My father is the most interesting man I know,' she once said
to a discomfited and slightly despairing lover. 'Till I find some other
man as interesting as he is, I shall never think of marriage. And really
I am sure you will not take it in bad part if I say that I do not find
you as interesting a man as my father.' The discomfited adorer did not
take it amiss; he smiled ruefully, and took his departure; but, to his
credit be it spoken, he remained Helena's friend.

CHAPTER V

'MY GREAT DEED WAS TOO GREAT'

The luncheon hour was an important epoch of the day in the Langley house
in Prince's Gate. The Langley luncheons were an institution in London
life ever since Sir Rupert bought the big Queen Anne house and made his
daughter its mistress. As he said himself good-humouredly, he was a mere
Roi Faineant in the place; his daughter was the Mayor of the Palace, the
real ruling power.

Helena Langley ruled the great house with th