eautiful, bountiful Bertie" came up smiling and buoyant.

"Anything the matter, sir?" asked Stafford, as he and Falconer made
their way round the room through which was floating the last thing in
waltzes, a soft and sensuous melody which sang the soul to rest.

"I think not. A matter of business, I think," said Ralph Falconer. "His
secretary, Mr. Murray, has just come from London: it may be something
to do with the papers he had brought."

Stafford nodded, though the explanation seemed unsatisfactory: for what
concern had Stafford with the "papers"? As they went through the hall
they saw the financiers clustered together with an expectant air, as if
they were waiting for the result of the arrival of the man by the
special train; and they stared at Falconer and exchanged glances as he
and Stafford passed them and went to the library door.

Sir Stephen's voice came cheerily in response to Stafford's knock, and
Stafford entered; Falconer following him with bent head and the same
heavy look.

Sir Stephen was sitting at the table before a despatch box, and he held
out his hand and uttered a little cry of pleasure as he saw who it was.

"Stafford, my boy! You could not have come at a better moment--Don't
go, Falconer! I'd like you to hear me tell him the good news. I've got
it here!"

He patted the despatch case. "This is Pandora's box, Staff! With
something better than Hope at the bottom: Certainty!"

He laughed quietly, confidently, and his bright eyes flashed under
their dark brows from one to the other.

"Murray has just arrived, Falconer, with the good news!" he took out
the gold chain to which the key of the despatch box was fastened, and
inserted it in the lock. "The good news, Staff! I haven't bothered and
bored you with details; but you know, my dear boy, that I have had a
big scheme on hand for some time past--a very big scheme. It has been
rather a touch-and-go business, but I think I have managed to pull it
off--eh, Falconer? The last day or two has been one of suspense--great
suspense--but success has come. You don't care for money, Staff, I
know. Nor do I. Honestly, no! Not for the mere money, but for what it
can buy and bring. But even you will have some respect for a million
and a half, Staff."

He laughed.

"A large sum, and this means more than money. There ought to be
something in the way of an honour--"

Falconer nodded.

"_If_ the scheme is successful, your father will be a peer of the
re