The sound of the piano penetrates to the card-players, nevertheless. But Mrs. Bodkin declares that she can never hear a note, when she is in the little drawing-room, with the door shut, and the curtains drawn. And although the doctor wears a frown on his bald forehead, and is more than ordinarily severe on his partner whenever the piano begins to sound during a game, yet he never takes any step to have the instrument silenced. The players file off in the wake of the host. There is a quartet at the doctor's table. At another, Mrs. Dockett, Mrs. Warlock, and Mr. Smith play dummy. Algernon Errington hates cards, and--naturally--doesn't play. The Rev. Peter Warlock also hates cards, but is wanted to make up the rubber, and--naturally--plays. Mrs. Bodkin hovers between the two rooms, and Minnie and Algernon are left almost tête-à-tête. "And so you really, really think of going to London?" says Minnie gravely. "To seek my fortune!" answers Algernon, with a smile. "Turn a-gain, Er-ring-ton--I don't know why that shouldn't be rung out on Bow Bells. You see my name has the same number of syllables as Whit-ting-ton! I declare that is a good omen!" "Whittington made himself useful to the cook, and took care of his kitten. I wonder what you will do, Algy, to deserve fortune?" "Do you think fortune favours the deserving? They paint her as a woman!" cries Master Algernon, with a saucy grimace. "Algy, I like you. We are old chums. Have you considered this step? Have you any reasonable prospect of making your way, if you refuse the Bristol man's proposition." Minnie seldom speaks so earnestly as she is speaking now; still seldomer volunteers any inquiry into other people's affairs. Algernon is sensible of the distinction, and flattered by it. He forthwith proceeds to lay his hopes and plans before her; that is to say, he talks a great deal with astonishing candour and fluency, and says wonderfully little. His mother is so anxious; these Seeleys are her people. It would vex the dear old lady so terribly, if he were to prefer the Bristol side of the house! Though, perhaps, that would be, selfishly speaking, the right policy. "Ah, I see!" exclaims Minnie, sinking back among her cushions when he has done speaking.