young men hanging around she's so mighty
particular."

Brooks leaned forward and rescued Mr. Bullsom's tie from underneath his
ear.

"You're all right," he said, reassuringly. "You mustn't let the girls
bully you, you know."

Mr. Bullsom sat bolt upright.

"You are quite right, Brooks," he declared. "I will not. But we took
on the servants here as well, and they're a bit strange to me. After
all, though, I'm the boss. I'll let 'em know it, too."

A footman threw open the door and took Brooks' dressing-case. A butler,
hurrying up from the background, ushered them into the drawing-room.
Mr. Bullsom pulled down his waistcoat and marched in; whistling softly
a popular tune. Selina and Louise, in elaborate evening gowns, were
playing bridge with two young men.

Selina rose and held out her hand to Brooks a little languidly.

"So glad to see you, Mr. Brooks," she declared. "Let me introduce Mr.
Suppeton, Captain Meyton!"

The two young men were good enough to acknowledge the introduction, and
Brooks shook hands with Louise. Selina was surveying her father with
uplifted eyebrows.

"Why, father, where on earth have you been?" she exclaimed. "I never
saw anybody such a sight. Your shirt is like a rag, and your collar
too."

"Never you mind me, Selina," Mr. Bullsom answered, firmly. "As to
where I've been, you know quite well. Political dinners may be bad for
your linen, and there may be more healths drunk than is altogether wise,
but a Member of Parliament has to take things as he finds 'em. Don't
let us interrupt your game. Brooks and I are going to have a game at
billiards."

One of the young men laid down his cards.

"Can't we join you?" he suggested. "We might have a game of pool, if it
isn't too late."

"You are soon tired of bridge," Selina remarked, reproachfully. "Very
well, we will all go into the billiard-room."

The men played a four-handed game. Between the shots Selina talked to
Brooks.

"Were you surprised?" she asked. "Had you heard?"

"Not a word. I was astonished," he answered.

"You hadn't seen it in the papers either? Most of them mentioned it--in
the county notes."

"I so seldom read the newspapers," he said. "You like it, of course?"

Selina was bereft of words.

"How we ever existed in that hateful suburb," she whispered under her
breath. "And the people round here too are so sociable. Papa being a
member makes a difference, of course. Then the barracks--isn't it
delightful havi