The hand that wielded the broom trembled, the dust-pan wobbled. “Yes, I suppose that’s what he is,” said Bobbie thoughtfully. “Gordon was rather spoilt as a kid, and that makes a man a little self-important.” “And pharisaical, don’t you think?” suggested Diana, considering. “I ought not to say anything unkind. Really I’m not. He isn’t any worse for our frankness.” Mr. Gordon Selsbury half rose from his knees, his mouth working, his face pale with fury. “I’m inclined to agree with you,” said Bobbie regretfully. “And poor old Gordon _has_ faults.” “The faults of age,” said Diana. “He’s the sort of man who has been forty-five ever since he was born; but, thank God, he’s not flighty!” she added piously. The sweeper nodded in agreement, but his faint smile was to vanish. “Don’t put any man on a pedestal, my dear,” said Bobbie in the paternal manner. “Sneak!” said Gordon fiercely but inaudibly. “The best of men make mistakes,” the traitor brother continued. “His very innocence is a disadvantage. I could well imagine that a woman with the right line of talk could twist him round her little finger!” She dissented. Diana had her own views, and they were mainly unbendable. “If I were his wife I should trust Gordon, Bobbie,” she said seriously. “He’s the very soul of honour. Whatever you say of Gordon, you’ve got to admit he’s that. He wouldn’t do anything undignified or vulgar. I could imagine many things, but I could not imagine Gordon going to Ostend, even in a mood of theosophical ecstasy, without a chaperone.” Bobbie shifted uneasily. He was by nature honest, in spite of his being a tea-broker. There were certain fundamentals in his code with which he could not dispense, even to shield Gordon. “N-no, perhaps not,” he said. She smiled scornfully. “Perhaps! You know he wouldn’t, Bobbie! I can’t think of his doing a thing like that. Why, Gordon is the very antithesis of vulgarity! Could you imagine him engaged in a clandestine friendship with a woman like Aunt Lizzie? It is absurd. Can you imagine him walking into this house with a strange female and pretending that he doesn’t know her when he is detected? I should imagine not!” Still Bobbie had a duty to perform. “I think you’re mad to trust any man absolutely,” he said firmly. “No man is worthy of that confidence.” She laughed. “You’re a cynical bachelor.” A voice came from the background. An indignant and an emphatic voice. “That is just what I say,” said Gordon. “I can’t imagine a more immoral point of view, striking at the very roots--er--um----” He almost cringed under Diana’s gaze. “How dare you interrupt?” she demanded. “I--er--I----” Bobbie took a hand.