"It is" replied Lawrence and then turning to the nurse he added "I should think you are pleased with the progress your patient is making." "Yes" assented Mrs. Chizzle "I am." "Do you think Miss Winston, you are well enough to drive to Cannon Street this afternoon and read Mr. Sheene's "story"? enquired Lawrence. "Perfectly" replied Helen with a smile. Lawrence was astounded, "you must be prepared for bad news" he said. "I am already prepared" said Helen. "For the very worst?" queried Lawrence. "For anything" returned Helen "That's alright then" replied Lawrence. "Mulberry and I are going to tea with the Vermonts this afternoon, but we need not start till 4 o'clock" said Gladys. "It would'nt matter if you were a little late" answered Lawrence. Just then the victoria stopped and after having helped the ladies to alight, Lawrence went quickly to the study where as Lord Beaufort had predicted an envelope lay waiting to be opened addressed to Lawrence in the dowegor lady Beaufort's hand writing. Lawrence blushed as he took up the bulky package and retired with it to the privacy of his own bedroom, where we will leave him to read it in silence. A copy of the letter is given below: Nov. 4th 18-- DEAR MR. LINCARROL It is with great pleasure that I comply with your wishes. It is not the first time I have been appealed to under such circumstances. There is an art in proposing as well as in every thing. If you are liable to nervousness, do not propose indoors. There is a very nice little nook in the back garden by the crocus bed, where my own romance took place. It is quite unfrequented from 11 to 1 and from 3 to 6. Be careful not to be too sudden or you will make the girl shy, but do it by degrees. Keep as close to her as you can after she has accepted (which if you manage it with tact she is sure to do) draw her to you and murmer soft words. If you wish for more details do not hesitate to write to me. Wishing you every success. I remain Yours etc. CRISTINA BEAUFORT. Lawrence folded the above and carefully put it in his blotting pad, and then with a sigh of relief he brushed his hair and went down to lunch. CHAPTER 31 Helen was pronounced quite well enough to drive to the office that afternoon; so accordingly the victoria was again brought to the front door and Helen, Lawrence and Mulberry all got in. It was not considered necessary for Gladys to go too. On arriving at Cannon Street Netherby opened the door of the office, for he expected them all the morning. Mr. Spriggs (the solicitor) was there too.