ou know your father, the most generous of men, but a
mere child in matters of business. I feared; but it was only the other
day that I discovered the real state of things. I shouldn't be at all
surprised, Dyce, if some day we have to look to you for succour."

"Don't worry," answered her son. "Things'll come right, I think. Just
go on as prudently as you can, for the present. Is father really in a
hobble?"

"My dear, he doesn't know where to turn for a five-pound note!"

Dyce was sincerely troubled. He seldom thought of his parents; none the
less they represented his only true affection, and he became
uncomfortable at the prospect of disaster befalling their latter years.

"Well, well, don't bother about it, more than you can help. Things are
going pretty well with me, I fancy."

"So I supposed, Dyce. But your father is afraid--you know how he looks
on the dark side of everything--lest you should be incurring
liabilities. I have told him that that was never your habit."

"Of course not," said Dyce, confidently. "You may be sure that I
haven't taken such serious steps without seeing my way clear before me."

"I knew it! I have always had the fullest faith in you. And, Dyce, how
you are improving in looks! You must go to a photographer again--"

"I've just been sitting at Hollingford. The local people wanted it, you
know. But I'll send you one from London presently."

"And you assure me that there is no money difficulty?" asked Mrs.
Lashmar, with inquisitive eyes.

"None whatever. The fact of the matter is that I am standing to please
Lady Ogram, and of course--" He waved an explanatory hand. "Things are
not finally arranged yet, but all will be smooth."

His smile made dignified deprecation of undue insistence on trivial
detail.

"I'm delighted to hear it!" exclaimed his mother. "It's just what I had
supposed. What could be more natural. Do you think, by the bye, that I
ought to go and see Lady Ogram? It might seem to her a right and
natural thing. And, from what you tell me of her, I feel sure we should
have a good deal in common."

"I've thought of that too," Dyce answered, averting his look. "But wait
a little. Just now Lady Ogram isn't at all well; she sees hardly
anybody."

"Of course I shall be guided by your advice. A little later, then. And,
Dyce, you haven't told me anything about Miss Bride. Is she still with
Lady Ogram?"

"Oh yes. Still acting as secretary."

"Of course you don't see much o