was different from any other woman I had ever met."

"But you've found out about her since?"

"No. I was tempted to question Dr. Purple, but I didn't like to ask
about a friend."

Lispenard laughed. "You've got a pretty bad case of conscience, I'm
afraid. It's a poor thing to have in New York, too. Well, my cousin is
one of the richest, best born women in this country, though I say it.
You can't do better than cultivate her."

"Is that what you do?"

"No. You have me there. She doesn't approve of me at all. You see, women
in this country expect a man to be serious and work. I can't do either.
I suppose its my foreign education. She likes my company, and finds my
escortage very convenient. But while she thinks I'm a pretty good
companion, she is sure I'm a poor sort of a man. If she takes a shine to
you, make the most of it. She can give you anything she pleases
socially."

"I suppose you have anything you please socially?"

"Pretty much."

"And would you advise me to spend time to get it?"

"Um. I wouldn't give the toss of a copper for it--but I can have it.
It's not being able to have it that's the bad thing."

"So I have found," said Peter gravely.

Lispenard laughed heartily, as he sipped his "Court France." "I wish,"
he said, "that a lot of people, whose lives are given to nothing else,
could have heard you say that, in that tone of voice. You don't spell
Society with a capital, do you?"

"Possibly," said Peter, "if I had more capital, I should use some on
society."

"Good," said Lispenard. "Heavens," he said to himself, "he's made a
joke! Cousin Anneke will never believe it."

He told her the next day, and his statement proved correct.

"I know you made the joke," she said. "He didn't."

"And why shouldn't he joke as well as I?"

"It doesn't suit him."

"Why not?"

"Parlor tricks are all right in a lap-dog, but they only belittle a
mastiff."

Lispenard laughed good-naturedly. He was used to his cousin's hits at
his do-nothingness, and rather enjoyed them. "He is a big beast, isn't
he? But he's a nice fellow. We had such a good time over Le Grand's
etchings last night. Didn't get away till after one. It's really a
pleasure to find a man who can smoke and keep quiet, and yet enjoy
things strongly. Le Grand was taken with him too. We just fitted each
other."

"I'm glad you took him. I'm going to give him some society."

"Did you ever hear the story of Dr. Brown?"

"No. What is it?"