were in the Sewards' sitting-room at Claridge's. Sam took up the
desk telephone.

"In London," he said, "my one best and only bet is a man named
Forsythe, who helps edit the Pall Mall. I'll telephone him now. If he
can promise me even a shilling a day I'll stay on and starve--but I'll
be near you. If Forsythe fails me I shall sail Wednesday."

The telephone call found Forsythe at the Pall Mall office. He would be
charmed to advise Mr. Lowell on a matter of business. Would he that
night dine with Mr. Lowell? He would. And might he suggest that they
dine at Pavoni's? He had a special reason for going there, and the
dinner would cost only three and six.

"That's reason enough!" Sam told him.

"And don't forget," said Polly when, for the fifth time, Sam rose to
go, "that after your dinner you are to look for me at the Duchess of
Deptford's dance. I asked her for a card and you will find it at your
lodgings. Everybody will be there; but it is a big place-full of dark
corners where we can hide."

"Don't hide until I arrive," said Sam. "I shall be very late, as I
shall have to walk. After I pay for Forsythe's dinner and for white
gloves for your dance I shall not be in a position to hire a taxi. But
maybe I shall bring good news. Maybe Forsythe will give me the job.
If he does we will celebrate in champagne."

"You will let me at least pay for the champagne?" begged Polly.

"No," said Sam firmly--"the duchess will furnish that."

When Sam reached his lodgings in Russell Square, which he approached
with considerable trepidation, he found Mrs. Wroxton awaiting him. But
her attitude no longer was hostile. On the contrary, as she handed him
a large, square envelope, decorated with the strawberry leaves of a
duke, her manner was humble.

Sam opened the envelope and, with apparent carelessness, stuck it over
the fireplace.

"About that back rent," he said; "I have cabled for money, and as
soon--"

"I know," said Mrs. Wroxton. "I read the cable." She was reading the
card of invitation also. "There's no hurry, sir," protested Mrs.
Wroxton. "Any of my young gentlemen who is made welcome at Deptford
House is made welcome here!"

"Credit, Mrs. Wroxton," observed Sam, "is better than cash. If you
have only cash you spend it and nothing remains. But with credit you
can continue indefinitely to-to-"

"So you can!" exclaimed Mrs. Wroxton enthusiastically. "Stay as long
as you like, Mr. Lowell."

At Pa