Sidney gave his hand readily, but he looked apologetic amidst all his glory. "Serves us right for taking up with those chaps and going to the beastly place. But after the races sometimes, you know--." He was trying to convey that such associates and such resorts were not habitual with him. He was remembering that unhappy encounter in Oxford Street far more painfully than Arthur. "Why, that was all Raymond's fault, anyhow," Marie interposed indignantly. "You couldn't desert him!" But Arthur did remember the encounter and with some shame. If there were occasions on which a man might not wish to know Sidney Barslow or to vouch for his respectability, there were evidently others on which he would be glad to have him by his side and to be recognised as entitled to his friendly services. Very likely the latter were really the more characteristic and important. At all events here he was to-night, a gallant spirit, brave and gay in battle--no small part of what goes to make a man. Arthur himself felt rather small when he remembered his fastidious horror. "We're all proud of you, Barslow," said old Sarradet in his most impressive manner. "We are, we are, we are!" cried Joe, and regardless of poor Raymond's aching head, he sat down at the piano and thumped out "See the Conquering Hero comes!" Mr. Claud Beverley was robbed of the honours of the evening, but, to do him justice, he took his deposition in good part. In fact, as he walked home to those Northern Heights whence had come his wonderful inspiration, he found and hailed yet another Hero of the Evening. Neither Gifted Author nor Splendid Warrior! "Put in as much as that, did he! Just made it possible! I should like to do that chap a turn if I could!" Joe Halliday--his heart opened by emotion and champagne--had told him the Secret of the Thousand. CHAPTER XI HOUSEHOLD POLITICS