He had held her hand for a moment when he entered, and now, as he carried the tea cup, he got an opportunity of touching her arm, lovingly, caressingly. He longed to take her by the hand and say to Lady Bell: "This is my future wife, Lady Bell," but he remembered Stephen's advice, and was on his guard, so much so that though she watched them closely, Lady Bell saw no sign of the existing state of things. It was singular, but since Jack's arrival she did not seem at all bored or worried, but rattled on in her gayest mood. "And what have you been doing since I left town?" she asked Una. "I hope Mr. Newcombe has made himself useful and attentive;" and she looked at Jack, who nodded coolly enough, though Una's face crimsoned. "Yes, I've been doing the knight errant, Lady Bell. Mrs. Davenant and I are old friends--relations, indeed." "Ah, yes," said Lady Bell. "I hear your son, Mr. Stephen, is in London." In a moment Mrs. Davenant's face lost its brightness. "Yes, yes," she said, nervously; "yes, he is in London." "Where is he?" said Lady Bell, looking round as if she expected to see him concealed behind one of the chairs. "He's always addressing public meetings, isn't he?" "Not always, Lady Earlsley," said Stephen, from the open doorway. "Good heavens! Speak of the--angels, and you hear the rustle of their wings!" exclaimed Lady Bell, not at all embarrassed. "How did you come in, Mr. Davenant?" "By the door, Lady Earlsley, which was open. Mother, you will lose all your plate some day." "And what public meeting have you come from now?" asked Lady Bell, with a smile. "I have been walking in the park," said Stephen, "and am at your ladyship's service." "I am glad of it," said Lady Bell, quickly, "for I want you--all of you to come and dine with me tonight." "Tonight!" echoed Jack. "Tonight! Why not? You have plenty of time to dress. Come, it will be charity--there's an argument for you, Mr. Davenant--for Mrs. Fellowes and I are all alone; papa has gone to some learned society meeting. Come, I'll go home at once and tell them to get your favorite wines ready. What _is_ your favorite, Mr. Newcombe?" Jack laughed. "I'd come and dine with _you_, Lady Bell, if you gave us ginger beer," he said. Lady Bell laughed, but she looked pleased. "Now, that is what I call a really good compliment--for a Savage," and she glanced at Jack archly. "We'll say half-past eight tonight to give you time to finish your chat. _Au revoir_," and waving her daintily-gloved hand, she flitted from the room.