Island, asked him to dine with them; postponing his return till
the next day. Lucy was his. It was even sweet to dally with the delight
of seeing her.

The Hon. Peter was one who did honour to the body he belonged to. Though
not so tall as a west of London footman, he was as shapely; and he had
a power of making his voice insinuating, or arrogant, as it suited the
exigencies of his profession. He had not a rap of money in the world;
yet he rode a horse, lived high, expended largely. The world said that
the Hon. Peter was salaried by his Lordship, and that, in common with
that of Parasite, he exercised the ancient companion profession. This
the world said, and still smiled at the Hon. Peter; for he was an
engaging fellow, and where he went not Lord Mountfalcon would not go.

They had a quiet little hotel dinner, ordered by Adrian, and made a
square at the table, Ripton Thompson being the fourth. Richard sent
down to his office to fetch him, and the two friends shook hands for
the first time since the great deed had been executed. Deep was the
Old Dog's delight to hear the praises of his Beauty sounded by such
aristocratic lips as the Hon. Peter Brayder's. All through the dinner he
was throwing out hints and small queries to get a fuller account of her;
and when the claret had circulated, he spoke a word or two himself,
and heard the Hon. Peter eulogize his taste, and wish him a bride as
beautiful; at which Ripton blushed, and said, he had no hope of that,
and the Hon. Peter assured him marriage did not break the mould.

After the wine this gentleman took his cigar on the balcony, and found
occasion to get some conversation with Adrian alone.

"Our young friend here--made it all right with the governor?" he asked
carelessly.

"Oh yes!" said Adrian. But it struck him that Brayder might be of
assistance in showing Richard a little of the `society in every form'
required by his chief's prescript. "That is," he continued, "we are not
yet permitted an interview with the august author of our being, and I
have rather a difficult post. 'Tis mine both to keep him here, and also
to find him the opportunity to measure himself with his fellow-man. In
other words, his father wants him to see something of life before he
enters upon housekeeping. Now I am proud to confess that I'm hardly
equal to the task. The demi, or damnedmonde--if it's that lie wants him
to observe--is one that I leave not got the walk to."

"Ha! ha!" laughed