dge of poetry?"

"Not I," said Heron. "I adore a few old poets and one or two new ones,
but I couldn't tell why--and those that I admire everybody else admires
too, so that I can't pretend to myself that I have any original
judgment. My opinion, Miss Grey, isn't worth a rush."

"I am very glad to hear it--very. Neither is mine. So you see we may be
both of us quite mistaken about Mr. Blanchet's poems."

"Of course we may--I dare say we are; in fact I am quite sure we are,"
said Heron, growing enthusiastic.

"Anyhow it is possible. Now I have been thinking----"

"Yes, you have been thinking?"

"I don't know whether I am only going to prove myself a busybody; but I
am so fond of Mary Blanchet."

"Yes: quite right; so am I--I mean I like her very much. But what do you
think of doing?"

"Well, if one could do anything to get these poems published, or brought
out in some way--if it could be done without Mr. Blanchet's knowledge,
or if he could be got to approve of it, and was not too proud."

"All that I have been thinking of already," Victor said. "I do think
it's a shame that a fellow shouldn't have a chance of fighting his
battle for the want of a few wretched pounds."

"How glad I am now that I spoke of this to you! Then if I get up a
little plot, you'll help me in it."

"I'll do everything--delighted."

"But first you must understand me. This is for my dear old friend, Mary
Blanchet--not for Mr. Blanchet; I don't particularly care about him, in
that sort of way, and I fancy that men generally can take care of
themselves; but I can't bear to have Mary Blanchet disappointed, and
that is why I want to do something. Now will you help me? I mean will
you help me in my way?"

"I will help in anyway you like, so long as I am allowed to help at all.
But I don't quite understand what you mean."

"Don't you? I wish you did without being told so very, very clearly.
Well, my Mary Blanchet is proud; and though she might accept for her
brother a helping hand from me, it would be quite a different thing
where a stranger was concerned. In plain English, Mr. Heron, whatever
money is to be paid must be paid by me; or there shall be no plot. Now
you understand."

"Yes, certainly; I quite understand your feelings. I should have
liked----"

"No doubt; but there are so many things one could have liked. The thing
is now, will you help me--on my conditions?"

"Of course I will; but what help can I give, as you have ordere