at he has ever committed any acts of violence, or ever willingly
injured anybody. But, for all that, he is mad, if ever a man were mad
yet. Forgive me if the inquiry is impertinent. What can your motive
possibly be for wanting an introduction to Miserrimus Dexter?"

"I want to consult him?"

"May I ask on what subject?"

"On the subject of my husband's Trial."

Major Fitz-David groaned, and sought a momentary consolation in his
friend Benjamin's claret.

"That dreadful subject again!" he exclaimed. "Mr. Benjamin, why does she
persist in dwelling on that dreadful subject?"

"I must dwell on what is now the one employment and the one hope of my
life," I said. "I have reason to hope that Miserrimus Dexter can help
me to clear my husband's character of the stain which the Scotch Verdict
has left on it. Tiger and monkey as he may be, I am ready to run
the risk of being introduced to him. And I ask you again--rashly and
obstinately as I fear you will think--to give me the introduction. It
will put you to no inconvenience. I won't trouble you to escort me; a
letter to Mr. Dexter will do."

The Major looked piteously at Benjamin, and shook his head. Benjamin
looked piteously at the Major, and shook _his_ head.

"She appears to insist on it," said the Major.

"Yes," said Benjamin. "She appears to insist on it."

"I won't take the responsibility, Mr. Benjamin, of sending her alone to
Miserrimus Dexter."

"Shall I go with her, sir?"

The Major reflected. Benjamin, in the capacity of protector, did not
appear to inspire our military friend with confidence. After a moment's
consideration a new idea seemed to strike him. He turned to me.

"My charming friend," he said, "be more charming than ever--consent to
a compromise. Let us treat this difficulty about Dexter from a social
point of view. What do you say to a little dinner?"

"A little dinner?" I repeated, not in the least understanding him.

"A little dinner," the Major reiterated, "at my house. You insist on my
introducing you to Dexter, and I refuse to trust you alone with that
crack-brained personage. The only alternative under the circumstances
is to invite him to meet you, and to let you form your own opinion of
him--under the protection of my roof. Who shall we have to meet you
besides?" pursued the Major, brightening with hospitable intentions.
"We want a perfect galaxy of beauty around the table, as a species
of compensation when we have got Miserrimus D