He sprang to his feet. "I've been making love to your wife, Jake," he said, "and she has been heroically but quite ineffectually trying to keep me at a distance. I'd better go before I'm kicked out, eh?" "Don't go on my account!" said Jake. Saltash's brows twitched comically. "Generous as ever! But I'm a rotten villain, Jake. I never could keep it up, and your virtuous presence is the last straw. Good-bye--and many thanks!" He held Maud's hand in his right and stretched his left to Jake with a smile half whimsical and half derisive. "There's nothing like banking on the hundredth chance," he said. "I shall try it myself one of these days." "Say!" said Jake in his soft drawl. "I wish you luck!" Saltash laughed and turned away, to be instantly seized upon by Bunny. "I say you are a good chap! The boss has been telling me. You're going to put me up to a job." "If you'll take it," said Saltash. Bunny thrust a hand through his arm and squeezed it impulsively. "I'll take anything from you, Charlie. Hope I shall be man enough for you, that's all." "Oh, you're man enough," said Saltash kindly. "Just the sort I want. Look here, I can't stop now. But I'll come over on Sunday and talk things over--if Jake permits." "Any day," said Jake. Saltash nodded. "Good. I'll ring you up tomorrow, Maud. You're sure you mean tomorrow?" "Quite sure," she said with a smile. He swept her a bow and went out with Bunny. Maud turned instantly to her husband. "Jake, I've got something to tell you--to consult you about." He stopped her with that smile of his that was so good to see. "Oh, I guess not. You've fixed it all up without my help. But his lordship for once had the diplomacy to ask me first." "Oh, did he?" She looked confused for a moment. "Jake, you don't mind, do you? I did the only thing possible." He put his arm around her and led her to the door. "I'll tell whether I mind a week from now. You're looking worn out, my girl. You go to bed!" She leaned against him. "Jake, I'm--horribly sorry for Charlie." "Wasted sentiment!" said Jake. "No, it isn't--it isn't--because he is just beginning--to be sorry for himself. Jake, it haunts me." "Well, you're not to lie awake over it," said Jake unsympathetically. "I shall know if you do, and I shall keep you in bed tomorrow. Got that?" He looked at her with determination glittering in his eyes. "You're very horrid," she said. "Yes, I know. Somebody's got to be. It's a world of contrasts, and we can't all be kings and queens. Go to bed now! I'll say good night to Bunny for you." But Maud lingered still. "What is Charlie going to do for him?" Jake led her with firmness into the hall. "It's the Agency. He's going to help old Bishop. I think the life will be good for him--if there isn't too much Saltash about it." "Oh, how good of Charlie!" Maud said.