“I thought that your good old Bunyip would look in on us before long,” said Courtland. “There’s no possibility of discussing delicate points in theology without him.” “I think we had better go home,” said Ella. “We must have some consideration for our host,” said Courtland. “We didn’t all play the part of _Cagliostro_ to-night.” During the movement of her circle and the adjustment of wraps, preparatory to the delivery of a valedictory word of congratulation to the great actor, Ella said in a low tone to Herbert Courtland: “Cagliostro? No; we didn’t all play the part; but--well, Cagliostro was a weaver of spells.” There was a pause before he said: “Yes, but the art did not die with him. He had a daughter to whom he taught his art.” “Not that I ever heard of,” said she. “What do you think of Phyllis Ayrton?” “I think that she is the dearest friend of my dearest friend,” he replied. “And I should like her to become the dearest friend of my dearest friend.” “That would be impossible,” he said. Then the felicitous valedictory word was said to the great actor and actress, and Mrs. Linton’s carriage received Phyllis. Lord Earlscourt took a seat in Mr. Courtland’s hansom. “What do you think about Mr. Courtland?” inquired Ella of her dearest friend, as they lay back with their heads very close together. There was a long pause before Phyllis replied: “I really don’t know what I think about him. He is, I suppose, the bravest man alive at present.” “What? Is that the result of your half hour’s chat with him?” “Oh, dear, no! but all the same, it’s pleasant for a girl to feel that she has been talking to a brave man. It gives one a sense of--of--is it of being quite safe?” “Good gracious, no! just the opposite--that is----Oh, you don’t understand.” “No, I don’t.” “Never mind. Tell me what he talked about?” “Oh, everything! God.” “I know that it was in the air. He has ideas, I believe. He never talked on that topic to me. I hope you found him to be quite sound, theologically.” “But it seems rather funny, doesn’t it?” said Phyllis; “but I really don’t think that when I was listening to him I considered for a moment whether he was sound or the opposite in his views.”