“Oh! that will make me dislike him all the more,” said Rosalie. “The men who are run after by women, and the women who are run after by men, are both equally detestable. I mean, of course, in excess.” “But that is fascination.” “I prefer the fascination that is clever enough to captivate its own sex.” “Well, men admire him in an intellectual capacity.” “A general favourite? Most insipid!” “Really, Rosalie!” said Miss Crokerly, and she laughed. “You cannot expect me to love him. A man should always be loyal to his superior.” “Well, of course, I am only giving you my own opinion. And you must not repeat it on any account; because it is not generally believed or certain that he might be prompted by motives of ambition to make known the incident of the handkerchief.” “I hope that if the High Priest does resign someone less self-seeking takes his place.” “Than Golden Priest Alphonso? But that is scarcely likely. He has Mr. Barringcourt for his great friend, and—What is the matter, Rosalie? Your cheeks are all aflame.” “Oh! I—I—I’ve had springes of toothache all day, and the sudden pain makes me flush. I’m all right now. What were you saying?” “Alphonso is sure to succeed to the High Priestship sooner or later. He has much influence on his side—the Prime Minister, and Lord High All Superior for public and official friends, and Mr. Barringcourt, whom I just mentioned, who has great influence in outside circles, and more money apparently than even poor Geoffrey Todbrook had. Now there’s a man for you to dislike cordially on the grounds of general favouritism. The women idolise him, and men will hear no wrong of him.” “And what kind of a life does he lead? Is he a good man?” asked Rosalie, leaning forward and looking across at her. “I don’t know. My brother thinks greatly of him, and so do I. But it’s hard to tell who’s good and who’s bad when you come to private life. There are so many things for and against it.” “Of course.” “Still, I think as rich men go, who are young and unfettered by anything, he must be fairly good. I don’t remember ever hearing anything against him. And I know he has carried out all Geoffrey Todbrook’s wishes with regard to charities to the letter.” “Is he executor?” “Yes.” “Then it would be surprising if he fell short of his duties, would it not?” “Perhaps so. I expect he too will be at the Sebberens’ to-morrow night But if you have any conversation with Mr. Barringcourt at all, you cannot choose but like him.” “Is his temper unfailingly pleasant, then?” “No; it isn’t altogether that. I have known him very absent and off-hand. But I suppose people occasionally find that rather pleasant in a world of suavity and insincerity.” “I don’t agree with you. I’d rather have people unfailingly suave. It spares a great deal of friction.” “What has upset you, Rosalie? You are most argumentative to-night.”