ime that a match between her
and George would be unsuitable. For a while he and Bland talked about
indifferent matters, and then the latter turned to him with a smile.

"I was very lucky at a small steeplechase," he said. "Backed a rank
outsider that only a few friends of mine believed in. Do you know of
anything that's bound to go up on the Stock Exchange? It's in your
line, I think."

"I don't. Such stocks are remarkably scarce. If there's any strong
reason for a rise in value, buyers anticipate it."

"Then perhaps you know of something that has a better chance than the
rest? I expect your tip's worth having."

"You might try--rubber!"

"Rubber? Hasn't that been a little overdone?"

Herbert considered, for this remark confirmed his private opinion.
Rubber shares had been in strong demand, but he thought they would not
continue in general favor. The suggestion made by an outsider might be
supposed to express the view held by small speculators, which had its
effect on the market.

"I gave you my idea, but I can't guarantee success," he said. "You
must use your judgment, and don't blame me if things go wrong."

"Of course not; the risk's mine," returned Bland; and Herbert thought
he meant to follow his advice.

A few minutes later, the train which they were waiting for came in, and
Herbert tactfully stood aside when Bland helped Sylvia to alight.
Watching her face, he concluded by the absence of any sign of surprise
that the meeting had been arranged. Bland, however, had little
opportunity for conversation amid the bustle; and the train was on the
point of starting before Sylvia saw Herbert. He got in as it was
moving, and she looked at him sharply.

"I didn't expect you would meet me."

"So I supposed," he told her.

"Oh, well," she said, smiling, "you might have been useful."

Herbert thought she might have thanked him for coming, considering that
he had, by his wife's orders, made an inconvenient journey; but
gratitude was not one of Sylvia's virtues.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked.

"Yes, on the whole, but I've been dreadfully unlucky. In fact, I'm
threatened by a financial crisis."

Herbert made a rueful grimace.

"I know what that means; I'm getting used to it. But we'll talk the
matter over another time. I suppose I'm neglecting my duties; I ought
to lecture you."

"Isn't Muriel capable of doing all that's necessary in that line?"

"She's hampered by not knowing as much