."

"What reason?"

"That I knew she'd be more contented to have him speculate with HER
money than mine."

"Then you think that he isn't a business man?"

"I think that she thinks so, or she wouldn't marry him; it's part of the
attraction. But come, James has been for five minutes discreetly waiting
outside the door to tell us dinner is ready, and the coast clear of all
other company. But look here," he said, suddenly stopping, with his arm
in Leyton's, "you're through your talk, I suppose; perhaps you'd rather
we'd dine with the Signora and the others than alone?"

For an instant Leyton thrilled with the fascination of what he firmly
believed was a guilty temptation. Rushbrook, perceiving his hesitation,
added:--

"By the way, Somers is of the party, and one or two others you know."

Mr. Leyton opened his eyes widely at this; either the temptation had
passed, or the idea of being seen in doubtful company by a younger man
was distasteful, for he hurriedly disclaimed any preference. "But," he
added with half-significant politeness, "perhaps I'm keeping YOU from
them?"

"It makes not the slightest difference to me," calmly returned
Rushbrook, with such evident truthfulness that Leyton was both convinced
and chagrined.

Preceded by the grave and ubiquitous James, they crossed the large hall,
and entered through a smaller passage a charming apartment hung
with blue damask, which might have been a boudoir, study, or small
reception-room, yet had the air of never having been anything
continuously. It would seem that Rushbrook's habit of "camping out" in
different parts of his mansion obtained here as at Los Osos, and with
the exception of a small closet which contained his Spartan bed, the
rooms were used separately or in suites, as occasion or his friends
required. It is recorded that an Eastern guest, newly arrived with
letters to Rushbrook, after a tedious journey, expressed himself pleased
with this same blue room, in which he had sumptuously dined with his
host, and subsequently fell asleep in his chair. Without disturbing his
guest, Rushbrook had the table removed, a bed, washstand, and bureau
brought in, the sleeping man delicately laid upon the former, and left
to awaken to an Arabian night's realization of his wish.

CHAPTER V

James had barely disposed of his master and Mr. Leyton, and left them
to the ministrations of two of his underlings, before he was confronted
with one of those difficult pro