the chance of doing
anything for you--"

Miss Rabbit was announced by Sarah, and Gertie had to leave Mr. Trew in
order to make much of her colleague. Bulpert, having edged other folk
from the hearthrug, announced that he was about to give, with the aid
of memory, a short incident of the American Civil War; to his
astonishment and open indignation, one of the Westbourne Grove girls
arrested him with the suggestion that instead they should all have a
game. Challenged to indicate one, she asked what was the matter with
musical chairs. So chairs were placed down the centre of the room,
facing opposite ways alternately. Gertie went to the pianoforte, and
all prepared to join, with the exception of Bulpert, who, in the
corner, and his back to the others, ate sandwiches.

Admirable confusion, thanks to Gertie's ingenious playing. As they
started to march warily in a line up and down the row, she, after
giving the first bar, stopped, and they had to rush for seats.
Clarence Mills was left out and a chair withdrawn. The next trial was
much longer, and only when caution was being relaxed did the music
cease; Miss Loriner, defeated at this bye-election, had to take a seat
near to Clarence. The joyousness was so pronounced that Bulpert found
himself to take some interest, and when Mrs. Mills, left in with Mr.
Trew, eventually won the game, he urged it should be restarted, and
that some other lady should play the music. On the first arrest by
Miss Rabbit at the pianoforte, he sat himself on a chair already
occupied by Gertie. At the moment, Sarah appeared again at the doorway.

"A young man," she announced importantly. "A gentleman this time."

Henry Douglass came in. Gertie struggled to disengage herself, but
Bulpert declined to move.

"Mrs. Mills, I must apologize for calling at this late hour."

"Don't mention it, sir."

"I have just had a message from my sister-in-law, and I wanted to see
Miss Loriner. Lady Douglass has been taken seriously ill."

Mr. Trew took Bulpert by the collar and sent him with a jerk against
the wall. Gertie, flushed and confused, shook hands with Henry.

"I'm not going to break up your evening," he said, looking at her
eagerly. "The matter is urgent, or I wouldn't have dared to call."

"We are always," she stammered, "always pleased to see you, Mr.
Douglass."

"My dear mother asked me to give you her love when I met you. There is
a car waiting," he went on, addressing Miss Lo