s it was in the market. I told
him at the time he would never regret it."

Lady Louisa did not answer, but called after the retreating footman,
who had just brought in a stately and limited tea-tray, much silver and
little food:--"I am not at home, William."

Then, as she put small and accurate measures of tea into a massive
teapot, she added severely:--"What is all this I hear about Shotover,
papa?"

"Oh! ah! yes--poor Shotover. Came up to town together again to-day.
Good-hearted fellow, your brother Shotover, but thoughtless. However I
have had a most satisfactory talk with my men of business, Fox and
Goteway. I know Barking does not think much of Fox and Goteway. Wanted
me to go to his own lawyers, Hodges and Banquet. But if any one serves
you conscientiously you should not leave them. It's against my
principles to turn off those who serve me conscientiously. I told
Barking so at the time, I remember. It came out of the business about
your settlements, wasn't it--or the last time I paid Shotover's----" He
cleared his throat hurriedly. "I see the Calmadys' house is being done
up," he continued. "Nice young fellow, Calmady. But I never can help
feeling a certain awkwardness with him. Takes you up rather short in
conversation too sometimes. Terribly distressing thing his deformity
and all that, both for himself and Lady Calmady. Hope, perhaps, she
doesn't feel it as some women would though--tactful woman, Lady
Calmady, and very good woman of business. Still, never feel quite at my
ease with Lady Calmady. Can't help wondering how they'll do in London,
you know. Rather difficult thing his going about much with that----"

Lady Louisa held out a small teacup. Her high penetrating voice
asserted itself resolutely against her father's kindly, stumbling
chatter, as she asked:--

"Is it true you are not coming up from Whitney this season?"

"Oh!--tea--yes, thank you very much, my dear. No--well, I think
possibly we may not come up this year. Goteway believes he has heard of
a very eligible tenant for the Belgrave Square house, very eligible.
And so, nothing actually decided yet, but I think very possibly we may
not come up."

He spoke apologetically, regarding his daughter, over the small teacup,
with an expression of entreaty. Every feature of his handsome, innocent
countenance begged her not to deal harshly with him. But Lady Louisa
remained obdurate.

"Shotover's conduct is becoming a positive scandal," she said.