but we belong to a contemptible society, and can't help
ourselves. For Heaven's sake, don't spoil your chances by rashness; be
content to wait a little, till some more money comes in.'

Midway in October, about half-past eight one evening, Jasper received
an unexpected visit from Dora. He was in his sitting-room, smoking and
reading a novel.

'Anything wrong?' he asked, as his sister entered.

'No; but I'm alone this evening, and I thought I would see if you were
in.

'Where's Maud, then?'

'She went to see the Lanes this afternoon, and Mrs Lane invited her
to go to the Gaiety to-night; she said a friend whom she had invited
couldn't come, and the ticket would be wasted. Maud went back to dine
with them. She'll come home in a cab.'

'Why is Mrs Lane so affectionate all at once? Take your things off; I
have nothing to do.'

'Miss Radway was going as well.'

'Who's Miss Radway?'

'Don't you know her? She's staying with the Lanes. Maud says she writes
for The West End.'

'And will that fellow Lane be with them?'

'I think not.'

Jasper mused, contemplating the bowl of his pipe.

'I suppose she was in rare excitement?'

'Pretty well. She has wanted to go to the Gaiety for a long time.
There's no harm, is there?'

Dora asked the question with that absent air which girls are wont to
assume when they touch on doubtful subjects.

'Harm, no. Idiocy and lively music, that's all. It's too late, or I'd
have taken you, for the joke of the thing. Confound it! she ought to
have better dresses.'

'Oh, she looked very nice, in that best.'

'Pooh! But I don't care for her to be running about with the Lanes. Lane
is too big a blackguard; it reflects upon his wife to a certain extent.'

They gossiped for half an hour, then a tap at the door interrupted them;
it was the landlady.

'Mr Whelpdale has called to see you, sir. I mentioned as Miss Milvain
was here, so he said he wouldn't come up unless you sent to ask him.'

Jasper smiled at Dora, and said in a low voice.

'What do you say? Shall he come up? He can behave himself.'

'Just as you please, Jasper.'

'Ask him to come up, Mrs Thompson, please.'

Mr Whelpdale presented himself. He entered with much more ceremony than
when Milvain was alone; on his visage was a grave respectfulness, his
step was light, his whole bearing expressed diffidence and pleasurable
anticipation.

'My younger sister, Whelpdale,' said Jasper, with subdued amusement.

The dealer