“Well, I guess they don’t know much about England over here!” his lordship humorously sighed. After which there was another long pause. “He _has_ got us out of a hole,” observed the young nobleman. Percy Beaumont genially assented. “Nobody certainly could have been more civil.” “Littledale said his wife was great fun,” Lord Lambeth then contributed. “Whose wife—Littledale’s?” “Our benefactor’s. Mrs. Westgate. What’s his name? J. L. It ‘kind of’ sounds like a number. But I guess it’s a high number,” he continued with freshened gaiety. The same influences appeared, however, with Mr. Beaumont to make rather for anxiety. “What was fun to Littledale,” he said at last a little sententiously, “may be death to us.” “What do you mean by that?” his companion asked. “I’m as good a man as Littledale.” “My dear boy, I hope you won’t begin to flirt,” said the elder man. His friend smoked acutely. “Well, I daresay I shan’t _begin_.” “With a married woman, if she’s bent upon it, it’s all very well,” Mr. Beaumont allowed. “But our friend mentioned a young lady—a sister, a sister-in-law. For God’s sake keep free of her.” “How do you mean, ‘free’?” “Depend upon it she’ll try to land you.” “Oh rot!” said Lord Lambeth. “American girls are very ‘cute,’” the other urged. “So much the better,” said the young man. “I fancy they’re always up to some wily game,” Mr. Beaumont developed. “They can’t be worse than they are in England,” said Lord Lambeth judicially. “Ah, but in England you’ve got your natural protectors. You’ve got your mother and sisters.” “My mother and sisters—!” the youth began with a certain energy. But he stopped in time, puffing at his cigar. “Your mother spoke to me about it with tears in her eyes,” said his monitor. “She said she felt very nervous. I promised to keep you out of mischief.” “You had better take care of yourself!” cried Mr. Beaumont’s charge. “Ah,” the responsible party returned, “I haven’t the expectation of—whatever it is you expect. Not to mention other attractions.” “Well,” said Lord Lambeth, “don’t cry out before you’re hurt!”