s out with her young man, naturally. Cassandra plays the part of
chaperone very usefully. A charming young woman that--a great favorite
of mine." He turned his stone between his fingers, and conceived
different methods of leading Celia away from her obsession, which, he
supposed, must have reference to the domestic affairs of Cyril as usual.

"With Cassandra," Mrs. Milvain repeated significantly. "With Cassandra."

"Yes, with Cassandra," Mr. Hilbery agreed urbanely, pleased at the
diversion. "I think they said they were going to Hampton Court, and I
rather believe they were taking a protege of mine, Ralph Denham, a very
clever fellow, too, to amuse Cassandra. I thought the arrangement very
suitable." He was prepared to dwell at some length upon this safe topic,
and trusted that Katharine would come in before he had done with it.

"Hampton Court always seems to me an ideal spot for engaged couples.
There's the Maze, there's a nice place for having tea--I forget what
they call it--and then, if the young man knows his business he contrives
to take his lady upon the river. Full of possibilities--full. Cake,
Celia?" Mr. Hilbery continued. "I respect my dinner too much, but that
can't possibly apply to you. You've never observed that feast, so far as
I can remember."

Her brother's affability did not deceive Mrs. Milvain; it slightly
saddened her; she well knew the cause of it. Blind and infatuated as
usual!

"Who is this Mr. Denham?" she asked.

"Ralph Denham?" said Mr. Hilbery, in relief that her mind had taken this
turn. "A very interesting young man. I've a great belief in him. He's an
authority upon our mediaeval institutions, and if he weren't forced to
earn his living he would write a book that very much wants writing--"

"He is not well off, then?" Mrs. Milvain interposed.

"Hasn't a penny, I'm afraid, and a family more or less dependent on
him."

"A mother and sisters?--His father is dead?"

"Yes, his father died some years ago," said Mr. Hilbery, who was
prepared to draw upon his imagination, if necessary, to keep Mrs.
Milvain supplied with facts about the private history of Ralph Denham
since, for some inscrutable reason, the subject took her fancy.

"His father has been dead some time, and this young man had to take his
place--"

"A legal family?" Mrs. Milvain inquired. "I fancy I've seen the name
somewhere."

Mr. Hilbery shook his head. "I should be inclined to doubt whether they
were altogether i