'From her point of view I think she's quite wrong. As you're both practically free and you would marry her tomorrow--or this afternoon for choice--if she cared for you she would probably do it. Where I think she's wrong is in not caring for you.... Who is it?' 'I don't believe it's anyone. Eugenia's peculiar; she's very independent, very fantastic. She likes to do whatever comes into her head. She's very fascinating ... but I shouldn't be at all surprised if she's absolutely cold; I mean, really never could care for any man at all.' 'I _should_ like to see her,' repeated Lord Selsey, his eyes brightening. 'It's most awfully good of you, Uncle, the way you take it. I mean to say, I'm afraid I'm not at all asking your consent, you know, or anything of that sort, as I ought.' 'You're asking my advice, and it's about the only thing most men of my age enjoy giving. Well, really, Cecil, and frankly, I think it's a dismal little story. It would be humbug if I pretended I was sorry about Mrs Raymond's--a--attitude, and I quite see its absolute genuineness But, if you'll excuse my saying so, what price the other girl?' 'What price? No price.' '_She_ likes you,' said Lord Selsey acutely. 'What makes you think that?' 'Because otherwise you wouldn't be so cool about her. You're a little too frightened of being obvious, Cecil. I was like that, too. But don't give way to it. Hyacinth Verney--what a charming name! ... What would old Cannon say?' 'I don't think he seems particularly keen on _me_,' said Cecil frankly. 'That's odd. Then he must be very ambitious for her, or else be in love with her himself ... probably both.' 'Oh, I say, Uncle Ted! Why, there's Lady Cannon! She's a very handsome, gigantic woman, and they have a daughter of their own, a girl called Ella, at school in Paris. She's pretty, too, only a flapper, you know, with a fair plait and a black bow.' 'I should like to see her; what delightful families you get yourself mixed up with, Cecil! If I were you I should certainly cultivate the Verney girl. I know it's no use telling you to do the contrary, as I should if you weren't in your present frame of mind.' 'I should _very_ much like you to meet Eugenia,' said Cecil. 'Yes. How shall we arrange it? A dinner at the Savoy or something?' 'No. Somehow that isn't the kind of thing she'd like,' said Cecil. 'I thought not. But if I suddenly go and call on her, even with you, wouldn't it make it too much of a family affair? And I should be so afraid of having the air of trying to persuade her to give you up. I don't want to make a fool of myself, you know.' Cecil seemed a little stung, though he smiled. 'If she knew you, perhaps it would make her more interested in me!' 'Do you think she'd come and hear some music here,' said Lord Selsey, 'if I wrote and asked her?' 'Yes, I think she might. There's no nonsense about her--about etiquette and things of that sort, I mean.'