ome time studying the panorama of
the busy London streets. "Is Liberty's dear?" she inquired presently.

"Not at all; most reasonable."

"I'm glad," replied Flamby. "I have got seven pounds ten saved. Will
that be enough?"

Don held his breath. Flamby's extraordinary erudition and inherent
cleverness had not prepared him for this childish ignorance of the value
of money. But he realised immediately that it was no more than natural
after all and that he might have anticipated it; and secretly he was
delighted because of the opportunity which it offered him of repaying in
part, or of trying to repay, the debt which he owed to Michael Duveen.
Moreover he had found that to give pleasure to Flamby was a gracious
task.

"It may not cover everything," he said casually, "but the sum held by
Mr. Nevin will more than do so. Think no more about it. I will see that
your expenditures do not exceed your means."

* * * * *

They alighted near that window of Messrs. Liberty's which is devoted to
the display of velvet robes--of those simple, unadorned creations which
Golders Green may view unmoved but which stir the aesthetic soul of
Chelsea. In the centre of the window, cunningly draped before an
oak-pannelled background, hung a dress of grey velvet which was the
apogee and culmination of Flamby's dreams. For not all the precepts of
the Painted Portico can quench in the female bosom woman's innate love
of adornment. Assuredly Eve wore flowers in her hair.

"Oh," whispered Flamby, "do you think it is very dear?"

Don having paid the cabman, had joined her where she stood. "Which one?"
he inquired with masculine innocence.

"The grey one. There is nothing on it at all. I have seen dresses in
Dale's at home with yards of embroidery that were only four pounds."

"I don't suppose so," said Don cheerfully. "Let us go in and try it on.
_You_ try it on, I mean."

"Oh, I daren't! I didn't dream of _buying_ it," cried Flamby, flushing
hotly. "I was only admiring it."

"And because you admire it you don't dream of buying it? That is odd.
And surely grey is what is known as 'half-mourning' too, is it not?
Absolutely correct form."

"But it may be frightfully dear. I will ask the price when Mrs. Chumley
is with me." Flamby was weakening.

Don grasped her firmly by the arm and led her vastly perturbed into the
shop, where a smiling saleswoman accosted them. "This lady wishes to see
the grey gown you h