the strange
superstition that the world cannot do without them.

"This cook is falling off most terribly. The lamb is uneatable, the
potatoes are waxy, and the peas like pills. Ugh! I never made a worse
lunch!"

A large cigar and the perusal of the long-neglected _Times_ did not
pacify him much, and he was still fretting and fuming when his
messenger brought in a three-cornered note and asked if there was any
reply.

"The lady, sir--a real lady, I should think--'ave brought it in her
own bruffam, and was most particular, sir, as you should 'ave it at
once."

Mr. Faulks took the letter and examined it carefully.

"From that charming woman, Mrs. Wilders, my cousin, or rather Stanny's
cousin; but his relations are mine. I am his uncle; some day, if he
lives, I shall be uncle to an earl. They will treat me better perhaps
when I have all the Essendine interest at my back. Whippersnappers
like this Fothergill will scarcely dare to snub me then. A good lad
Stanislas; I always liked him. I wish he was back amongst us, and not
at that horrid war."

"The lady, sir, is most anxious, sir, to have a answer," put in the
messenger, recalling Mr. Faulks's attention to the letter.

"Ah! to be sure. One moment," and he read the note:--

"Cannot I see you?" it said. "I am oppressed with fears for
our dear Stanislas. Do please spare me a few minutes of your
valuable time.

"CYPRIENNE W."

"I will go down to her at once, say." And, seizing his hat, Mr. Faulks
followed the messenger into the street, where he found Mrs. Wilders in
her tiny brougham, at the door of the office.

"Oh, how good of you!" she said, putting out a little hand in a
perfectly-fitting grey glove. "I would not disturb you for worlds, but
I was so anxious."

"What has happened? Nothing serious, I trust?"

"I do not know. I cannot say. I am terribly upset."

"Do tell me all about it."

"Of course; that is why I came. But it will take some time. Will you
get into the carriage? Are you going anywhere? I can take you, and
tell you upon the road."

"I am afraid I cannot leave just at present." He had misgivings as to
his arbitrary young chief. "But if I might suggest, and if you will
honour me so far, will you not come upstairs to my room?"

"Oh! willingly, if you will allow me."

This was all that she wished. Very soon, escorted by her obsequious
friend, she found herself in his arm-chair, pouring forth a long and
intric