let's cry, Hallo!
what's up? It simplifies matters immensely, though," said Sir Tom, with
a serious face, "when you can kick the fellow you disapprove of in that
charming candid way. Guard the privilege; it is invaluable, Jock."

"Well," said Jock, "some fellows think it's brutal, you know. MTutor he
always says try argument first. But I just want to know how are you to
do your duty, captain of a big house, unless it's known that you will
just kick 'em when they're beastly. When it's known, even _that_ does a
deal of good."

"Every thing you say confirms my opinion of your sense," said Sir Tom,
taking the boy by the arm, "but also of your advantages, Jock, my boy.
We cannot act, you see, in that straightforward manner, more's the
pity, in the world; but I shall try the first part of your programme,
and act on your advice," he said, as they walked into the room where the
ladies were awaiting them. The smaller room looked very warm and bright
after the large, dimly-lighted one through which they had passed. The
Contessa, in her tender conference with Lucy, formed a charming group in
the middle of the picture. Lady Randolph sat by, exiled out of her usual
place, with an illustrated magazine in her hand, and an air of quick
watchfulness about her, opposite to them. She was looking on like a
spectator at a play. In the background behind the table, on which stood
a large lamp, was the Contessa's companion, with her back turned to the
rest, lightly flitting from picture to picture, examining everything.
She had been entirely careless of the action of the piece, but she
turned round at the voices of the new-comers, as if her attention was
aroused.

"You are going to take somebody's advice?" said the Contessa. "That is
something new; come here at once and explain. To do so is due to
your--wife; yes, to your wife. An Englishman tells every thought to his
wife; is it not so? Oh yes, _mon ami_, your sweet little wife and I are
the best of friends. It is for life," she said, looking with
inexpressible sentiment in Lucy's face, and pressing her hands. Then,
was it possible? a flash of intelligence flew from her eyes to those of
Sir Tom, and she burst into a laugh and clapped her beautiful hands
together. "He is so ridiculous, he makes one laugh at everything," she
cried.

Lucy remained very serious, with a somewhat forced smile upon her face,
between these two, looking from one to another.

"Nay, if you have come the length of