"McFaddan, being in a position to dictate to the police and, if it should come to the worst, to the magistrates, is a most valuable man to have on our side, Mr. Cricklewick. If you could see him tomorrow morning,--I suppose it is too late to see him this evening,--and tell him just what you want him to do, I'm sure--" "But, Miss Emsdale, you must allow me to say that McFaddan will absolutely refuse to take orders from me. He is no longer what you might say--er--in a position to be--er--you see what I mean, I hope." "Nonsense!" she said, dismissing his objection with a word. "McFaddan is an Irishman and therefore eternally committed to the under dog, right or wrong. When you explain the circumstances to him, he will come to our assistance like a flash. And don't, overlook the fact, Mr. Cricklewick, that McFaddan will never see the day when he can ignore a--a request from you." She had almost said command, but caught the word in time. "By the way, poor Trotter is out of a situation, and I may as well confess to you that he can ill afford to be without one. It has just occurred to me that you may know of some one among your wealthy friends, Mr. Cricklewick, who is in need of a good man. Please rack your brain. Some one to whom you can recommend him as a safe, skilful and competent chauffeur." "I am glad you mention it," said he, brightening perceptibly in the light of something tangible. "This afternoon I was called up on the telephone by a party--by some one, I mean to say,--asking for information concerning Klausen, the man who used to drive for me. I was obliged to say that his habits were bad, and that I could not recommend him. It was Mrs. Ellicott Millidew who inquired." "The young one or the old one?" inquired Miss Emsdale quickly. "The elder Mrs. Millidew," said Mr. Cricklewick, in a tone that implied deference to a lady who was entitled to it, even when she was not within earshot. "Not the pretty young widow," he added, risking a smile. "That's all right, then," said Miss Emsdale briskly. "I am sure it would be a most satisfactory place for him." "But she is a very exacting old lady," said he, "and will require references." "I am sure you can give him the very best of references," said she. "She couldn't ask for anything better than your word that he is a splendid man in every particular. Thank you so much, Mr. Cricklewick. And Lord Temple will be ever so grateful to you too, I'm sure. Oh, you cannot possibly imagine how relieved I am--about everything. We are very great friends, Lord Temple and I." He watched the faint hint of the rose steal into her cheeks and a velvety softness come into her eyes. "Nothing could be more perfect," he said, irrelevantly, but with real feeling, and the glow of the rose deepened. "Thank you again,--and good-bye," she said, turning toward the door. It was then that the punctilious Cricklewick forgot himself, and in his desire to be courteous, committed a most unpardonable offence.