tered the room.
In her dress as well as in her manner Bella was usually distinguished by
something unconventional and picturesque. She was not pleased to see
Batley standing beside the table at which Gladwyne sat, but the man
gathered up some papers when he noticed her.

"I've explained the thing, Gladwyne, and I expect Miss Crestwick will
excuse me," he said.

His manner was good-humored as he bowed to her and though she almost
hated the man she was conscious of a faint respect for him. He might have
thwarted her by remaining, for she had often made him a butt for her
bitter wit. Now, however, when she had shown that his presence was not
required, he was gallantly withdrawing. When he went out she sat down and
Gladwyne rose and stood with one hand on the mantel, waiting for her to
begin. Instead, she glanced round the room, which always impressed her.
It was lofty and spacious, the few articles of massive furniture gave it
a severe dignity, and there was no doubt that Gladwyne, with his handsome
person and highbred air, appeared at home in it.

While she looked around, he was thinking about her. She was provocatively
pretty; a fearless, passionate creature, addicted to occasional reckless
outbreaks, but nevertheless endowed with a vein of cold and calculating
sense. What was as much to the point, she was wealthy, and people were
becoming more tolerant toward her; but in the meanwhile he wondered what
she wanted.

"I came about Jim," she said at length.

"Well?"

The man's expression, which suddenly changed, was not encouraging and she
hesitated.

"You know what he's doing. I've come to ask a favor."

He avoided the issue.

"It's nothing alarming; I don't suppose he's very different from most
lads of his age. Perhaps it would be better to let him have his head."

"No," she replied decidedly. "The pace is too hot; I can't hold him.
He'll come to grief badly if he's not pulled up. You know that as well as
I do!"

Her anger became her, bringing a fine glow to her cheeks and a hint of
half-imperious dignity into her pose. It had an effect on him, but he
felt somewhat ashamed of himself.

"Well," he asked in a quiet voice, "what's the favor?"

"Shouldn't a sportsman and a man of your kind grant it unconditionally
beforehand? Must you be sure you won't get hurt when you make a venture?"

"You'd risk it," he answered, bowing. "You're admirable, Bella. Still,
you see, I'm either more cautious or less courageou