the impeachment; he had been in the
morning with his sister, Mrs. Lightmark, to the Temple Church. His
severe gaze was turned inquiringly upon Mary. Lady Garnett responded
for her a little flippantly.

"Oh, Mary went nowhere this morning, Mr. Sylvester--not even to the
church parade. We were very late last night, at Lady Dulminster's.
London grows later and later; we shall be dining at midnight soon."

"I should like to go to the Temple Church sometimes," said Mary,
"because of the singing, only it is so very far."

Charles Sylvester bent forward with bland satisfaction; he had it so
obviously on the tip of his tongue that he would be charmed to be
her escort, that the girl hastened to interrupt him.

"You were not at Lady Dulminster's, Mr. Sylvester? We quite expected
to see you."

"If I had known that you were to be there!" he exclaimed. Then he
added: "I had a card, and, indeed, I fully intended to look in. But
one is always so pressed for time just before the long vacation, and
yesterday I was quite exhausted. Did you see any of my people?"

"Yes," said Mary, "Eve was there; we expected her to play. It is a
very musical house."

"Ah, yes! I have heard so from my sister, and from Colonel
Lightmark. He says that Lady Dulminster is really a most
accomplished woman."

"He looks as if he found her charming," put in Lady Garnett with a
shrug. Then she added, suppressing a yawn, her thin fingers dallying
regretfully with the leaves of her novel: "I suppose your exertions
are nearly over, Mr. Sylvester. You will be going away soon?"

He shook his head gravely.

"I fear not for long. I may have a week's cruise with my
brother-in-law--you know, he has a yacht for the summer--but my
labours are only beginning. I have the elections in view. You agree
with me, no doubt, Lady Garnett, that the Government is bound to go
to the country in the autumn; you know, of course, that I am
thinking of standing for----"

"I congratulate you in advance, Mr. Sylvester! I am sure you will
get in, especially if you have your sister down to canvass."

"I am afraid Eve is not sufficiently interested in politics to be of
much assistance," said the candidate. Then he went on, a little
nervously, pulling at his collar: "You will wish me success, Miss
Masters?"

"Oh, yes!" said the girl hastily; "I am sure we both wish you that,
Mr. Sylvester. We shall be most interested, shall we not, Aunt
Marcelle?"

Lady Garnett came to her assi