ge it
with the bellows till, by the time the tea came up, the flames were
leaping and crackling cheerfully in the little grate.

"And now," said Diana, as they settled themselves for a comfortable
yarn over the teacups, "tell me all the news. Oh by the way, what's
your important message? I don't believe"--regarding him
severely--"that you've got one at all. It was just an excuse."

"It wasn't, honour bright. It's from Miss de Gervais--she sent me
round to see you expressly. You know, while Errington's away I call at
her place for orders like the butcher's boy every morning. The boss
asked me to look after her and make myself useful during his absence."

"Well," said Diana impatiently. "What's the message?" It did not
interest her in the least to hear about the arrangements Max had made
for Adrienne's convenience.

"Miss de Gervais is having a reception--'Hans Breitmann gif a barty,'
you know--"

"Of course I know," broke in Diana irritably, "seeing that I'm asked to
it."

Jerry continued patiently.

"And she wants you as a special favour to sing for her. As a matter of
fact there are to be one or two bigwigs there whom she thinks it might
be useful for you to meet--influence, you know," he added, waving his
hand expansively, "push, shove, hacking, wire-pulling--"

"Oh, be quiet, Jerry," interrupted Diana, laughing in spite of herself.
"It's no good, you know. It's dear of Adrienne to think of it, but
Baroni won't let me do it. He hasn't allowed me to sing anywhere this
last year."

"Doesn't want to take the cream off the milk, I suppose," said Jerry,
with a grin. "But, as a matter of fact, he _has_ given permission this
time. Miss de Gervais went to see him about it herself, and he's
consented. I've got a letter for you from the old chap"--producing it
as he spoke.

"Adrienne is a marvel," said Diana, as she slit the flap of the
envelope. "I'm sure Baroni would have refused any one else, but she
seems to be able to twist him round her little finger."

"Dear Mis Quentin"--Baroni had written in his funny, cramped
handwriting--"You may sing for Miss de Gervais. I have seen the list
of guests and it can do no harm--possibly a little good. Yours very
sincerely, CARLO BARONI."

"Miss de Gervais must have a 'way' with her," said Jerry meditatively.
"I observe that even my boss always does her bidding like a lamb."

Diana poured herself out a second cup of tea before she asked
negligently:--