Colonel Doran, though over fifty years of age, blushed as if he were seventeen; he actually felt his face burning at the implied compliment. How astonishing it seemed that this handsome, charming woman should be interested in a battered old soldier. What _did_ she see in him? * * * * * * “Fanny,” said Julia, as she opened the door of her sister’s boudoir. “So you’ve not gone to bed yet! I am so glad. I’ve something to say to you, and I want you to help me.” “Yes,” agreed Lady Barre, languidly laying down her book. “The girls are out, and Tom is down at the house. What has happened? If it’s money again, I really cannot----” “I’ve met a man to-night at the Suttons’,” broke in her sister. Lady Barre nodded. “And I intend to marry him.” “Good gracious, Julia----” “Yes; he is looking for a wife--so Major Sutton told Maudie--and I am looking for a husband. He is middle-aged, wealthy, of good family--a colonel in the army--just retired--with enormous savings; he has a fine estate and castle in Ireland, and not one relation in the wide world!” “My dear, it sounds too good to be true! Who is he?” “His name is Doran; he is rather silent and a little shy. I’ve invited him to tea here on Tuesday. I hope you are not engaged?” “But I am--yes, to the Lovells; however, I will certainly stay at home and see your--catch.” “Yes, it is time I was married; and I do honestly believe Colonel Doran has taken a fancy to me. He left when I did, and put me into a cab as if I were something precious and breakable. He has offered me tiger-claws.” “What on earth for?” “To make a necklet, of course.” “You have fine claws of your own, Ju, if he only _knew_.” Julia, who had removed her cloak, now reclined in an arm-chair, as if reposing after some exhausting effort. “To think of it, Fan”--ignoring this scratch--“I am going to be off your hands--and my own hands--at last!” “I know how clever you are, Ju; but there is many a slip. You remember Eddie Ellis----” “There will be no slip this time if you will back me up properly. Get Tom to leave a card at his club; ask him to dinner once or twice, and be _nice_ to him.” “Oh, I’ll do all that, of course, with pleasure”--and her ladyship sincerely meant it. She would strain every nerve to get Julia settled--a homeless, impecunious sister, always clinging to her--a sister, too, with endless debts, quarrels, and flirtations. Of course she was fond of poor old Ju, but she would be truly grateful to the man who would marry her, and relieve her of an incubus.