t she wished
to say.

On that day she took him out in her brougham, and on her return home
was alone all the afternoon till about five; and then who should come
to her but Captain De Baron. No doubt they two had become very
intimate. She could not at all have defined her reasons for liking him.
She was quite sure of one thing,--she was not in the least in love with
him. But he was always gay, always good humoured, always had plenty to
say. He was the source of all the fun that ever came in her way; and
fun was very dear to her. He was nice-looking and manly, and gentle
withal. Why should she not have her friend? He would not write
abominable letters and ask her to say that she loved him! And yet she
was aware that there was a danger. She knew that her husband was a
little jealous. She knew that Augusta Mildmay was frightfully jealous.
That odious creature Mrs. Houghton had made ever so many nasty little
allusions to her and Jack. When his name was announced she almost
wished that he had not come; but yet she received him very pleasantly.
He immediately began about the Baroness Banmann. The Baroness had on
the previous evening made her way on to the platform at the
Disabilities when Dr. Fleabody was lecturing, and Lady Selina was
presiding and had, to use Jack's own words, "Kicked up the most
delightful bobbery that had ever been witnessed! She bundled poor old
Lady Selina out of the chair."

"Nonsense!"

"So I am told;--took the chair by the back and hoisted her out."

"Didn't they send for the police?"

"I suppose they did at last; but the American doctor was too many for
her. The Baroness strove to address the meeting; but Olivia Q. Fleabody
has become a favourite, and carried the day. I am told that at last the
bald-headed old gentleman took the Baroness home in a cab. I'd have
given a five-pound note to be there. I think I must go some night and
hear the Doctor."

"I wouldn't go again for anything."

"You women are all so jealous of each other. Poor Lady Selina! I'm told
she was very much shaken."

"How did you hear it all?"

"From Aunt Ju," said the Captain. "Aunt Ju was there, of course. The
Baroness tried to fly into Aunt Ju's arms, but Aunt Ju seems to have
retired."

Then the quarrel must have been made up between Captain De Baron and
Miss Mildmay. That was the idea which at once came into Mary's head. He
could hardly have seen Aunt Ju without seeing her niece at the same
time. Perhaps it was all