d said in our first chat about
Brightening: how she had suggested my "taking the helm," to steer Roger
Fane into the Social Sea.

"I think I mentioned then that I referred to the sea, in the literal
sense of the word," she went on. "I promised to tell you what I meant,
when the right moment came, and now it has come. I haven't been idle
meanwhile, I assure you, for I like Roger Fane as much as _you_ like
Shelagh Leigh. And between us two, we'll marry them over the Pollens'
snobby heads."

In short, Mr. Carstairs had a client who had a yacht at Plymouth. The
client's name was Lord Verrington. The yacht's name was _Naiad_, and
Lord Verrington wished to let her for an absurdly large sum. Roger Fane
didn't mind paying this sum. It was the right time of year for a
yachting trip. If I would lend eclat to such a trip by Brightening it,
the Pollens would permit their precious Shelagh to go. Mr. Pollen (whom
Grandmother had refused to know) would even join the party himself.
Indeed, no one would refuse if asked by me, and the Pollens would be so
dazzled by Roger Fane's sudden social success that their consent to the
engagement was a foregone conclusion.

I snapped at the chance of escape. To be sure, it was a temporary
escape, as the guests were invited for a week only; still, lots of
things may happen in a week. Why look beyond seven perfectly good days?
Besides, I was to be given a huge "bonus" for my services, enough to pay
the rent of my expensive flat for a year. But I wasn't entirely selfish
in accepting. I've never half described to you the odd, reserved charm
of that mysterious millionaire, Roger Fane, whose one fault was his
close friendship with Sir James Courtenaye. And for his sake, as well as
dear little Shelagh's, I would gladly have done all I could to bring the
two together.

Knowing that titles impressed the Pollens, I secured several: one earl
with countess attached (legally, at all events), a pretty sister of the
latter; a bachelor marquis, and ditto viscount. These, with Shelagh,
myself, Roger Fane, and Mr. Pollen, would constitute the party, should
all accept.

They all did, partly for me, perhaps, and partly for each other, but
largely from curiosity, as the _Naiad_ had the reputation of being the
most luxuriously appointed small steam yacht in British waters, (She had
been "interned" in Spain during the war!) Also, Roger had secured as
_chef_ a famous Frenchman, just demobilized. Altogether, the pros