. Bender asked, "madder than anything?"

His patron--if not his client--put it more nobly. "It will markedly
affirm my attitude."

"Which will in turn the more markedly create discussion."

"It may create all it will!"

"Well, if _you_ don't mind it, _I_ don't!" Mr. Bender concluded. But
though bathed in this high serenity he was all for the rapid application
of it elsewhere. "You'll put the thing on view right off?"

"As soon as the proper arrangement----"

"You put off your journey to _make_ it?" Lady Sand-gate at once broke in.

Lord Theign bethought himself--with the effect of a gracious confidence
in the others. "Not if these friends will act."

"Oh, I guess we'll _act!_" Mr. Bender declared.

"Ah, _won't_ we though!" Lord John re-echoed.

"You understand then I have an interest?" Mr. Bender went on to Lord
Theign.

His lordship's irony met it. "I accept that complication--which so much
simplifies!"

"And yet also have a liberty?"

"Where else would be those you've taken? The point is," said Lord
Theign, "that _I_ have a show."

It settled Mr. Bender. "Then I'll _fix_ your show." He snatched up his
hat. "Lord John, come right round!"

Lord John had of himself reached the door, which he opened to let the
whirlwind tremendously figured by his friend pass out first. Taking
leave of the others he gave it even his applause. "The fellow can do
anything anywhere!" And he hastily followed.

V

Lady Sandgate, left alone with Lord Theign, drew the line at their
companion's enthusiasm. "That may be true of Mr. Bender--for it's
dreadful how he bears one down. But I simply find him a terror."

"Well," said her friend, who seemed disposed not to fatigue the
question, "I dare say a terror will help me." He had other business to
which he at once gave himself. "And now, if you please, for that girl."

"I'll send her to you," she replied, "if you can't stay to luncheon."

"I've three or four things to do," he pleaded, "and I lunch with Kitty
at one."

She submitted in that case--but disappointedly. "With Berkeley
Square then you've time. But I confess I don't quite grasp the so odd
inspiration that you've set those men to carry out."

He showed surprise and regret, but even greater decision. "Then it
needn't trouble you, dear--it's enough that I myself go straight."

"Are you so very convinced it's straight?"--she wouldn't be a bore to
him, but she couldn't not be a blessing.

"What in the world