'I admit that this is a matter that requires consideration. I shouldn't like to make a mountain out of a mole-hill. We'll see; we'll give him a chance. But if he comes here again, or takes any step to persuade you to have anything to do with his Society or whatever it is, I shall know how to act.' 'Of course you will, dear.' Edith hoped she wouldn't receive a large envelope full of papers about the Legitimists by the first post. 'I hope you know, Bruce, _I_ shouldn't care if I never saw him again.' 'Why not? Because he's my friend, I suppose? You look down on him just because he's a hard worker, and of some use in the world--not a dandified, conventional, wasp-waisted idiot like Cecil Reeve! Perhaps you prefer Cecil Reeve?' 'Much,' replied Edith firmly. 'Why? Let's hear your reasons.' 'Why, he's a real person. I know where I am when I'm talking to him--we're on the same platform.' 'Platform?' 'Yes. When I talk to Mr Raggett I feel as if he had arrived at Victoria, and I had gone to meet him at Charing Cross. Do you see? We don't get near enough to understand each other.' 'Quite near enough,' replied Bruce suspiciously. Then he said, 'I feel the want of air. If you don't mind, dear, I think I shall go for a stroll.' 'Oh, don't!' He went to the hall and put on his coat. 'Just a stroll; or I may look in at the club. You don't understand; a man feels rather cramped in these surroundings, Edith.' 'I quite understand your feeling.' 'I shan't be long,' said Bruce. 'Try and make up your mind to give up Raggett's society altogether. You don't mind making this sacrifice for me, do you?' 'Not in the least,' she answered. 'I prefer it.' He went out. CHAPTER XVI Archie It was Sunday afternoon, and Bruce, lunch still pervading his consciousness, found himself reading over and over again and taking a kind of stupefied interest in the 'Answers to Correspondents' in a certain Sunday paper, and marvelling at the mine of extraordinary miscellaneous information possessed by the person who answered them. 'Brief replies:-- 'To _Miserable Alfred_ (Baldness).--If you comply with the rules, will send private advice. '_Knutford_ (For knee trouble).--My advice is against.' (Bruce vaguely thought this rather harsh. If Knutford liked knee trouble, why shouldn't he have it?) '_Alter Ego_ (Tomato culture).--There's no need to soak the seeds for days. The man who sows in wet soil and then treads down flat foredooms himself to complete failure. This is, however, nothing to go by. If seed be purchased let it be from a trustworthy firm. Personally, I think in the case of outdoor tomatoes the middle course is best.