"There must be some man’s capable head in the matter, or we shall all be ruined," she exclaimed dismally five or six times; although what the "man’s capable head" was to do to restrain the very wilful beauty was not clear. Madame Chansette, as it seemed to me, meant that she was tired of the sole responsibility, and wished to share it with someone who could be blamed if matters went wrong. "The position is a very difficult one," I admitted. "Of course, I told her you were coming; that Lord Glisfoyle was as much her guardian as anyone, and that, as you were representing him, you would have authority yourself. You do agree with me, don’t you, that she ought to give up this—this dangerous mischief, and just try to play a woman’s legitimate part and get married? Of course, if you don’t think that, your coming will only make matters worse than they were before; but I’m sure you will. You must have seen for yourself in that affair last night, whatever the meaning of it all was, how dangerous this conduct is, and how sure to lead to mischief." "Have you told Sarita that you yourself would leave Madrid if she did not do as you wish?" "My dear Mr. Carbonnell, how could I?" cried the dear, weak old lady, apparently aghast at the notion. "How could I possibly leave the sweet child here alone? What would she do without me? Besides, how could I? Why, she rules me just as she rules everyone else who comes in contact with her. She wouldn’t let me go;" and she smiled so sweetly and feebly—"and I love her so. No one can help it. It would kill me to leave her." As this was somewhat difficult of reply, I said nothing; and after a few seconds she glanced at her watch and exclaimed— "Oh, dear, my time is all but up, and I fear I have got so little way with you." Seeing my perplexed expression, she laughed, and added: "Of course, my seeing you alone first is Sarita’s arrangement. She does the drollest things. She declared that she would give me every chance of persuading you to side with me, and that she would not say a word of any kind to you to influence you until you and I had had an hour’s private conference. And now, what will you do, Mr. Carbonnell?" and she put her white, thin hand on my arm, and looked quite eagerly into my face. "I will promise to serve you to my utmost, Madeline Chansette," I said. "Spoken like an Englishman and a diplomatist," exclaimed the voice that had so thrilled me on the preceding night; and, turning, I saw Sarita had entered the room unperceived. "You would make poor conspirators, you two, for you’ve been plotting against me with an open door," she added, coming forward.