. He was my father."

"Really. Let me see: he took orders, did he not? I hope I am not to
infer----"

"He died last June, sir."

"I beg your pardon. I didn't know. I am sorry not to have seen more of
him after he left the University. He was a most likeable fellow. We
shall see more of you, I trust? Have you been long in London?"

"I came after--at once. There was nothing to keep me there, and I felt I
must begin work in my profession immediately."

If John had been looking at Phyllis, he would have seen her face flush
slightly; an anxious look came into her eyes. But he was looking at Sir
Peter.

"What is it to be?" asked Sir Peter. "Not the Church?"

"No, sir." John's chin was noticeable now. "I follow the profession of
poetry."

"Upon my word!" exclaimed Sir Peter, and would have said more.

"Isn't it fine, Uncle Peter!" Phyllis interrupted, her cheeks rosy, and
her eyes starry pleaders for a lost cause. "Mr. Landless means to be a
poet. That is his chosen profession. Don't you think it fine to make
such a choice,--when one has the talent, of course?" Her earnest voice
fell before Sir Peter's stony gaze.

"But poetry isn't a profession," declared Sir Peter roundly. He gave a
short, hard laugh. "A pastime, perhaps; a recreation; but not a
profession, Mr. Landless. But, pshaw! You don't expect me to take you
seriously?"

There was an awkward moment. When Phyllis ventured a look at John, she
was surprised to see him smiling.

"I assure you I am quite serious," he answered easily. "But I am
accustomed to the other view. Thank you cordially for your willingness
to see something of me. My father would have been pleased. When I was
going through his papers I fancy I ran across your name in one of his
old diaries. You won't think me disrespectful if I tell you that the
diary spoke of you as 'Top' Oglebay."

"Good Gad!" said Sir Peter; "I have not heard that name in thirty years.
Yes, I was 'Top' Oglebay."

Phyllis was glad to see Mark Holroyd and her dear Peggy Neville coming
toward them. Mark was sheepish, at first, but Phyllis put him at his
ease in no time. The Honorable Margaret and John Landless were sworn
friends. John had applied the test to her. "Perfectly smashing!" was her
expressed opinion of his profession; the foresight of Phyllis had
smoothed the way.

"Well, well," said Sir Peter, as they drove homeward, "that was all very
interesting and new. You will help me to remember to send a check to