‘Look here, Travers, don’t keep her down in that wretched hole any longer. Let her go on the stage.’ ‘I can’t do that, old fellow.’ ‘Why not?’ ‘I know too much about it. The stage isn’t a fit place for a woman unless she is a firstrate actress; she must be able to boss the show or quit.’ ‘But she could boss the show, she’d be firstrate.’ ‘Not quite that, old fellow. I first saw her on the stage; I could see all she had in her at a glance; it wasn’t good enough.’ ‘She has been on the stage, then?’ ‘Yes; you may have heard of her, there was some talk of her early in the year. Grace Lovell was her name.’ ‘I do vaguely remember hearing something or other about her.’ ‘How long was she on the stage before you met her?’ ‘Five or six years, I think. She has been working hard down in the country.’ ‘What at?’ ‘Oh, reading things. I know I heard her read a bit of Shelley, which fetched me more than anything I’ve ever heard on the stage.’ ‘Well, I’ll see what we can do--with her.’ ‘You may rely on me, if you want help.’ ‘Thanks, old fellow.’ ‘And in the meantime?’ ‘We shall meet at Cowes on Monday. By-the-bye, can I be of any use to you?’ and Kirkdale took out his pocket-book. ‘Well, old man, if you like to make it a pony this time it would be rather a weight off my mind.’ Kirkdale handed over some notes. Travers took them, folded them up deliberately, buttoned his coat, took up his hat and stick, and walked out of the room. He nodded pleasantly to Kirkdale as he closed the door after him. Kirkdale sat still for some time, then he lighted a cigar and began to smoke. As he was finishing it the footman tapped and asked if he was at home to Mr. Clausen. Kirkdale signified that he would see him, and Mr. Clausen was shown up. ‘Stephen, my boy,’ he said, ‘this must be put a stop to. I have just come round from the club, and that fellow Travers came in and is hand in glove with every one. Potter was there, and they are sitting down to _écarté_. You know what it will end in--there will be a devil of a row.’ ‘I can’t help it, old fellow; I have tied my hands in the matter. I must let things take their course. It won’t hurt Robert if he does lose his money.’ ‘But, my dear fellow, we can’t possibly countenance this sort of thing. A man must draw the line somewhere, and I draw it at conniving at----’ ‘It’s no use, I tell you. He must be left alone; at any rate, for the present.’ ‘Well, if nothing else will move you, I suppose I shall have to tell you what I really fear from him. He will marry your sister----’ ‘Oh no, he won’t.’ ‘You don’t know her as well as I do. She is a woman who will have her own way, whatever it costs.’ ‘He cannot marry her.’ ‘It is what he has been working for the whole time.’ ‘You’re a fool!’ yelled Stephen. ‘No, no, no! I dare say you’re right. I’ve been thinking about something else. I dare say he’s capable of it. But I tell you she’s quite safe. He is already married.’