there would be no use in my denying that you, not I,
are the Earl of Kingsmead. But--your manner is somewhat solemn; surely
you are not thinking of marrying?"

The earl's mouth broadened spasmodically, and his eyes gleamed with
amusement.

"I say, Bick, if you laugh at me, how on earth am I ever to get it
said?"

"All right. Only take some jam and don't terrify me with magnificence.
This is the first time to my knowledge that an earl has ever shed the
effulgence of his presence in these humble walls----"

Tommy's grandeur gave up the ghost, and with a yell of delight he dived
deep into one of the jars and heaped his plate with suspiciously crimson
cherry jam.

"Good old Bick! I must have looked an awful little ass. But--well,
_will_ you chuck it all and come home?"

"Oho!"

"Yes, 'oho' as much as you like, but it is all rot your living here, and
_she_ hates it, and it's unpleasant all round. Besides the country is
really lovely now, and I miss you."

"Do you, Tommy dear?"

"I do."

"Did mother send you?"

"No. She said you wouldn't come if she did, but that you might if I--if
I----"

"If you exerted your authority as Head of the Family!"

"Well, yes." Tommy, now completely shamefaced, took more jam and handed
back his cup.

"She _is_ funny," mused Brigit. "To have so little sense of humour."

"That's what I told her. But Aunt Emily says people are talking about
your living alone, etc. And--besides, I think she is really rather fond
of you, Bick."

"Oh, no, she isn't. However, M. l'Ambassadeur, you have fulfilled your
mission, so be content."

Tommy paused in his task of biting into a piece of cake and looked up at
her. "Then--you will?"

"No, dear; I most certainly won't. But don't you bother about that. I
like this very well, and after all it isn't for long."

"Oh. You mean you are going to marry Theo. When?"

"In October, probably. Nothing is settled. More jam?"

"No, thanks. I say, Bicky, what are you going to do in September?"

"I don't know. Why?"

"Because they are all going to La-bas, to the Golden Wedding. They were
talking about it the other day. Are you going, too?"

She shook her head. "Oh, no. But I daresay I shall be with the Lenskys
then. I can't go now, because one of the children is ill."

Tommy rose and looked at his watch, a shadow of his former proud manner
settling on him as he put on his gloves. "She will be very much
disappointed," he remarked, "but I don't see ho