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By Root 671 0

deep and earnest consideration. Marriage, especially at my age, is not to be undertaken without full–er–consideration. Equality of birth, similarity of tastes, general suitability, and the same religious creed–all these things are necessary and the pros and cons have to be weighed and considered. I can, I think, offer my wife a position in society that is not to be despised. Eileen will grace that position admirably. By birth and breeding she is fitted for it, and her brains and her acute political sense cannot but further my career to our mutual advantage. I am aware, Caterham, that there is–er–some disparity in years. But I can assure you that I feel full of vigour–in my prime. The balance of years should be on the husband’s side. And Eileen has serious tastes–an older man will suit her better than some young jackanapes without either experience or savoir-faire. I can assure you, my dear Caterham, that I will cherish her–er–exquisite youth; I will cherish it–er–it will be appreciated. To watch the exquisite flower of her mind unfolding–what a privilege! And to think that I never realized–’

He shook his head deprecatingly and Lord Caterham, finding his voice with difficulty, said blankly:

‘Do I understand you to mean–ah, my dear fellow, you can’t want to marry Bundle?’

‘You are surprised. I suppose to you it seems sudden. I have your permission, then, to speak to her?’

‘Oh, yes,’ said Lord Caterham. ‘If it’s permission you want–of course you can. But you know, Lomax, I really shouldn’t if I were you. Just go home and think it over like a good fellow. Count twenty. All that sort of thing. Always a pity to propose and make a fool of yourself.’

‘I daresay you mean your advice kindly, Caterham, though I must confess that you put it somewhat strangely. But I have made up my mind to put my fortune to the test. I may see Eileen?’

‘Oh, it’s nothing to do with me,’ said Lord Caterham hastily; ‘Eileen settles her own affairs. If she came to me tomorrow and said she was going to marry the chauffeur, I shouldn’t make any objections. It’s the only way nowadays. Your children can make life damned unpleasant if you don’t give in to them in every way. I say to Bundle, “Do as you like, but don’t worry me,” and really, on the whole, she is amazingly good about it.’

George stood up intent upon his purpose.

‘Where shall I find her?’

‘Well, really, I don’t know,’ said Lord Caterham vaguely. ‘She might be anywhere. As I told you just now, she’s never in the same place for two minutes together. No repose.’

‘And I suppose Miss Wade will be with her? It seems to me, Caterham, that the best plan would be for you to ring the bell and ask your butler to find her, saying that I wish to speak to her for a few minutes.’

Lord Caterham pressed the bell obediently.

‘Oh, Tredwell,’ he said, when the bell was answered. ‘Just find her ladyship, will you. Tell her Mr Lomax is anxious to speak to her in the drawing-room.’

‘Yes, my lord.’

Tredwell withdrew. George seized Lord Caterham’s hand and wrung it warmly, much to the latter’s discomfort.

‘A thousand thanks,’ he said. ‘I hope soon to bring you good news.’

He hastened from the room.

‘Well,’ said Lord Caterham. ‘Well!’

And after a long pause:

‘What has Bundle been up to?’

The door opened again.

‘Mr Eversleigh, my lord.’

As Bill hastened in, Lord Caterham caught his hand and spoke earnestly.

‘Hullo, Bill. You’re looking for Lomax, I suppose? Look here, if you want to do a good turn, hurry to the drawing-room and tell him the Cabinet have called an immediate meeting, or get him away somehow. It’s really not fair to let the poor devil make an ass of himself all for some silly girl’s prank.’

‘I’ve not come for Codders,’ said Bill. ‘Didn’t know he was here. It’s Bundle I want to see. Is she anywhere about?’

‘You can’t see her,’ said Lord Caterham. ‘Not just now, at any rate. George is with her.’

‘Well–what does it matter?’

‘I think it does rather,’ said Lord Caterham. ‘He’s probably spluttering horribly at this minute, and we mustn’t do anything to make it worse for him.’

‘But what