'_Honi soit_—,' said James. 'Can a girl be safer anywhere than with her father?' 'Look here, Penwyn,' said Clissold, earnestly, 'I've made it the business of my life for the last two years to keep you in the straight path. I won't have you kicking over the traces for any blue-eyed chit in the universe. Remember what I promised your poor mother, Jim.' 'That you'd act the part of an elder brother—supply the balance of good sense wanting to my shallow brains. That's all very well, Maurice. I always respected my poor mother's ideas even when they took the shape of prejudices. But a man must enjoy his life.' 'Yes, but he is bound to enjoy life with the least possible injury to other people.' 'Whom am I going to injure?' demanded Mr. Penwyn, with an impatient shrug, as he moved towards the wings. 'You are putting foolish ideas into that poor child's head.' 'What nonsense! Simply because I am civil to her. I mean to ask her to supper, whether you like it or not.' 'I hope her father will have the sense to refuse.' 'If you come to that, I'll invite the whole company!' cried the spoiled child of fortune. The curtain came down at this moment, and Mr. Elgood returned to the green-room, unbuckling his sword-belt as he came along. 'I waited to remind you of your promise to sup with us to-night, Mr. Elgood,' said James. 'My dear sir, it is not an engagement to be forgotten. I shall be there.' 'Will half-past eleven be too early?' 'No; "The Stranger" has played quick to-night, and the afterpiece is short. I shall be there.' 'Miss Elgood will accompany you, I hope?' 'Thanks, no. The proprieties would be outraged by her appearance at a bachelor's table. The only lady present.' 'We could easily remedy that, if any other lady of the company would honour us.' 'Upon my word you are very kind; and I know the child would consider it a treat. If you put the question in such a friendly manner I feel sure that Mr. and Mrs. Dempson would be delighted to join us.' 'Pray bring them. Is Mrs. Dempson also dramatic?' 'You have seen her to-night in one of her greatest parts—Mrs. Haller.' 'I thought the lady was a Miss Villeroy.' 'Her professional name, merely. Joe Dempson and Miss Villeroy have been united in the sacred bonds of matrimony for some years.' 'I shall be charmed to make the lady's acquaintance. You know your way to the "Waterfowl?" 'It is familiar to me as the path of my infancy.' 'And you'll be sure to bring Miss Elgood?' 'Judy shall come without fail.' 'Judy?' 'The pet name chosen by affection. She was christened Justina. Pardon me if I leave you hastily, I play in the next piece.' Mr. Elgood hurried away. James Penwyn glanced at his friend with the glance of triumph. 'Out of leading-strings, you see, Maurice,' he said.