far as I can see Hay
looks after himself and nobody else."

"He proposes to look after my daughter."

"So I understand," replied Beecot, politely, "but that is a matter
entirely for your own consideration."

Mrs. Krill still continued to smile in her placid way, but she was
rather nonplussed all the same. From the appearance of Beecot, she had
argued that he was one of those many men she could twist round her
finger. But he seemed to be less easily guided than she expected, and
for the moment she was silent, letting her hard eyes wander towards the
card-table, round which sat the four playing an eager and engrossing
game of bridge. "You don't approve of that perhaps?"

"No," said Paul, calmly, "I certainly do not."

"Are you a Puritan may I ask?"

Beecot shook his head and laughed. "I am a simple man, who tries to do
his duty in this world," said he, "and who very often finds it difficult
to do that same duty."

"How do you define duty, Mr. Beecot?"

"We are becoming ethical," said Paul, with a smile. "I don't know that I
am prepared with an answer at present."

"Then the next time we meet. For I hope," said Mrs. Krill, smoothing her
face to a smile--it had grown rather sombre--"that we shall often meet
again. You must come and see us. We have taken a house in Kensington."

"Chosen by Mr. Hay?"

"Yes! He is our mentor in London Society. I don't think," added Mrs.
Krill, studying his face, "that you like Mr. Hay."

"As I am Mr. Hay's guest," said Paul, dryly, "that is rather an unkind
question to ask."

"I asked no question. I simply make a statement."

Beecot found the conversation rather embarrassing. In place of his
pumping Mrs. Krill, she was trying to pump him, which reversal of his
design he by no means approved of. He changed the subject of
conversation by drawing a powerfully attractive red herring across the
trail. "You wish to speak to me about Miss Norman," he remarked.

"I do," answered Mrs. Krill, who saw through his design, "but apparently
that subject is as distasteful as a discussion about Mr. Hay."

"Both subjects are rather personal, I admit, Mrs. Krill. However, if you
have anything to tell me, which you would like Miss Norman to hear, I am
willing to listen."

"Ah! Now you are more reasonable," she answered in a pleased tone. "It
is simply this, Mr. Beecot: I am very sorry for the girl. Through no
fault of her own, she is placed in a difficult position. I cannot give
her a name,