“A very fortunate young man,” commented Lydon, interested in spite of himself by the romantic story. “And what sort of a chap is he? Is he taking care of his money, or making ducks and drakes of it?” “He is a most delightful fellow in himself. With regard to your question, he spends a lot, of course. He has the handling of a very big income, but I should say he has a fairly good head upon his shoulders and knows how to manage his affairs.” “Is he your friend, or your wife’s?” asked Lydon bluntly, hastening to add, “I mean of course in the first instance.” “Oh, Zillah’s,” was the answer. “They knew each other abroad before he came into his aunt’s money. The acquaintance dropped till quite lately. We were dining one night at the _Ritz_ and met him in the lounge as we were going in. She introduced me and of course gave him an invitation to Curzon Street. He has dined with us twice and called several times. I like him immensely; he is a dear chap.” Lydon stayed for another half-hour and noticed that Lord Wraysbury was never for long away from the side of his hostess. He did not appear to know more than a couple of people in the room and Leonard had a suspicion that they had been introduced by Zillah. It was a smart party certainly; but although he knew little of fashionable or semi-fashionable society, he did not think it was quite up to the standard of a young man of such aristocratic lineage. He managed to obtain a few words with Gloria. “Are you enjoying yourself, my sweetheart?” he whispered. “Oh, in a way, it is rather novel,” she replied. “But I don’t think I should care for too much of this sort of thing. Zillah has been quite kind, introduced me and aunt to a lot of people. Uncle Howard is enjoying himself immensely. I have not seen him look more beaming at one of his own dinner-parties. But I’m afraid I haven’t his temperament. I’m not fond of strange crowds.” Soon the party began to break up; only a few determined stayers were left behind. Stormont collected his women-folk and they bade adieu to their host and hostess. Lydon took his departure with them. As he shook hands with Zillah, he observed that the good-looking Wraysbury was still in close attendance. Stormont’s car was waiting. As they went out, Lydon saw Grewgus standing amidst the small crowd that had gathered to watch the departing guests, and made a hasty signal to which the detective answered with a slight movement of his head. What was the young man’s astonishment to see amongst the waiting crowd the weather-beaten face of Tom Newcombe, and a hasty glance at him revealed the fact that, if not actually drunk, he was certainly not strictly sober. As soon as he caught sight of his “old pal” he rushed forward and shouted out what he intended to be a welcome, in a husky voice. Howard Stormont’s face went white when he saw him. “Get out of the way, you drunken dog,” he said in a low voice, full of fury. “Never dare to accost me again when you are in this state.”