"Of course, he doesn't mean it.... But the gout, you know, and all that.... I think Frank had better keep out of the way, though, for a bit. Oh! by the way, the Rector and Jenny are coming to dinner." "What does Jenny say to it all?" asked Dick gently. "Oh! Jenny laughs." These two young men--for Archie was only twenty-five, and Dick a year or two older--were quite remarkably like one another in manner and general bearing. Each, though their faces were entirely different, wore that same particular form of mask that is fashionable just now. Each had a look in his eyes as if the blinds were down--rather insolent and yet rather pleasant. Each moved in the same kind of way, slow and deliberate; each spoke quietly on rather a low note, and used as few words as possible. Each, just now, wore a short braided dinner-jacket of precisely the same cut. For the rest, they were quite unlike. Archie was clean-shaven, of a medium sort of complexion, with a big chin and rather loosely built; Dick wore a small, pointed brown beard, and was neat and alert. Neither of them did anything particular in the world. Archie was more or less tied to his father, except in the autumn--for Archie drew the line at Homburg, and went about for short visits, returning continually to look after the estate; Dick lived in a flat in town on six hundred a year, allowed him by his mother, and was supposed to be a sort of solicitor. They saw a good deal of one another, off and on, and got on together rather better than most brothers; certainly better than did Archie and Frank. It was thought a pity by a good many people that they were only cousins. * * * * * Then, as they gossiped gently, the door suddenly opened and a girl came in. She was a very striking girl indeed, and her beauty was increased just now by obvious excitement held well in check. She was tall and very fair, and carried herself superbly, looking taller than she really was. Her eyes, particularly bright just now, were of a vivid blue, wide-open and well set in her face; her mouth was strong and sensible; and there was a glorious air of breeziness and health about her altogether. She was in evening dress, and wore a light cloak over her white shoulders. "I'm sorry to interrupt," she said--"Oh! good evening, Mr. Dick!--but there's something wrong. Clarkson ran out to tell us that Lord Talgarth--it's a telegram or something. Father sent me to tell you." Archie looked at her a second; then he was gone, swiftly, but not hurriedly. The girl turned to Dick. "I'm afraid it's something about Frank," she said. "I heard Clarkson mention his name to father. Is there any more news?" Dick laid down his cue across the table. "I only came an hour ago," he said. "Archie was telling me just now." Jenny went across to the deep chair on the hearth, threw off her cloak and sat down.