ut he still clung to his notion of honor.

"I tell you what it is, Drake," said the earl, bringing down his port
glass on the table so violently that it snapped off at the stem, "you
young fellows of the present day haven't any idea of honor. Here's a
girl, a beautiful girl, and nice in every way, simply devoted to you,
and you go and throw her over. For some insane fancy, I suppose! Well,
see here, I'm d----d if I'll countenance it. I abide by my condition.
You make it up with Luce and marry her, and I'll settle this money on
you, as I've said. If not----"

Drake knocked the ash off his cigarette and looked straight before him.
He could still save himself by telling the truth and sacrificing Lady
Luce. But that was not his way.

"I'm sorry, sir----" he began.

"Sorry be d----d!" broke in the earl tempestuously. "Will you, or will
you not?"

"I can't," said Drake quietly.

The old man rose to his feet, flinging his serviette aside.

"Then, by Heaven! I've done with you!" he exclaimed. "I made you a fair
offer. I've only asked you to act like a gentleman, a man of honor. Am I
to understand that you refuse?"

Drake had also risen slowly.

"I'm afraid I must, sir," he said.

"All right," said the earl, red with anger. "Then there's nothing more
to be said. You can go your own way. But permit me to tell you----"

"Oh, don't, sir!" said Drake, rather sadly. "I can't do what you ask.
God knows I would if I could, but--it's impossible. For Heaven's sake,
don't let us quarrel----"

"Quarrel! I am as cool as a cucumber!" exclaimed the earl, his face the
color of beetroot. "All I say is"--here a twinge of the gout checked his
utterance--"that you're behaving shamefully--shamefully! We'd better
join the ladies--I mean Lady Angleford----"

"I think I'll get you to excuse me, sir," said Drake. "There is no need
to upset Lady Angleford. She asked me here with the very best
intentions, and she would be disappointed if she knew we had--quarreled.
There is no need to tell her. I'll clear out. Make my excuse to her."

"As you like," said the earl shortly. "But let me tell you that I think
you are----"

"No end of a fool, I've no doubt," said Drake, with a rather weary
smile. "I dare say I am. But I can't help it. Good night, sir."

The earl muttered something that sounded like "good night," and Drake
left the house. He ought to have said good night to Lady Angleford, but
he shirked it. He bore her no animosity; indeed