d struck--and not unsympathetic. "I see that your system
would be rather a fraud if you hadn't pretty well fixed _that!_"

Lady Sandgate spoke as one at present none the less substantially warned
and convinced. "It doesn't, however, alter the fact that we've thus in
our ears the first growl of an outcry."

"Ah," Lord John concurred, "we've unmistakably the first growl of an
outcry!"

Mr. Bender's judgment on the matter paused at sight of Lord Theign,
introduced and announced, as Lord John spoke, by Gotch; but with the
result of his addressing directly the person so presenting himself.
"Why, they tell me that what this means, Lord Theign, is the first growl
of an outcry!"

The appearance of the most eminent figure in the group might have been
held in itself to testify to some such truth; in the sense at least
that a certain conscious radiance, a gathered light of battle in his
lordship's aspect would have been explained by his having taken the
full measure--an inner success with which he glowed--of some high
provocation. He was flushed, but he bore it as the ensign of his house;
he was so admirably, vividly dressed, for the morning hour and for his
journey, that he shone as with the armour of a knight; and the whole
effect of him, from head to foot, with every jerk of his unconcern and
every flash of his ease, was to call attention to his being utterly
unshaken and knowing perfectly what he was about. It was at this happy
pitch that he replied to the prime upsetter of his peace.

"I'm afraid I don't know what anything means to _you_, Mr. Bender--but
it's exactly to find out that I've asked you, with our friend John,
kindly to meet me here. For a very brief conference, dear lady, by your
good leave," he went on to Lady Sandgate; "at which I'm only too pleased
that you yourself should assist. The 'first growl' of any outcry, I may
mention to you all, affects me no more than the last will----!"

"So I'm delighted to gather"--Lady Sandgate took him straight up--"that
you don't let go your inestimable Cure."

He at first quite stared superior--"'Let go'?"--but then treated it with
a lighter touch. "Upon my honour I might, you know--that dose of the
daily press has made me feel so fit! I arrive at any rate," he pursued
to the others and in particular to Mr. Bender, "I arrive with my
decision taken--which I've thought may perhaps interest you. If that
tuppeny rot _is_ an attempt at an outcry I simply nip it in the bud."