Lord Mervyn was conscious of his responsibilities. He had a future; he was often told so in public and in private, though it is fair to add that he would have believed it unsolicited. That future, together with the man who was to have it, he took seriously. And, though of rank unimpeachable, he was not quite rich enough for that future; it could be done on what he had, but it could be done better with some more. Evidently Mrs. Bonfill had been captured by Trix; as a rule she would not have neglected the consideration that his future could be done better with some more. He had not forgotten it; so he did not immediately offer to make Trix really belong to the brilliant world she saw. She was very attractive, and well-off, as he understood, but she was not, from a material point of view, by any means what he had a right to claim. Besides, she was a widow, and he would have preferred that not to be the case. 'Prime Ministers and things walking about like flies!' sighed Trix, venting satisfaction in a pardonable exaggeration. It was true, however, that Lord Farringham had looked in for half an hour, talked to Mrs. Bonfill for ten minutes, and made a tour round, displaying a lofty cordiality which admirably concealed his desire to be elsewhere. 'You'll soon get used to it all,' Mervyn assured her with a rather superior air. 'It's a bore, but it has to be done. The social side can't be neglected, you see.' 'If I neglected anything, it would be the other, I think.' He smiled tolerantly and quite believed her. Trix was most butterfly-like to-night; there was no hardness in her laugh, not a hint of grimness in her smile. 'You would never think,' Mrs. Bonfill used to whisper, 'what the poor child has been through.' Beaufort Chance passed by, casting a scowling glance at them. 'I haven't seen you dancing with Chance--or perhaps you sat out? He's not much of a performer.' 'I gave him a dance, but I forgot.' 'Which dance, Mrs. Trevalla?' Her glance had prompted the question. 'Ours,' said Trix. 'You came so late--I had none left.' 'I very seldom dance, but you tempted me.' He was not underrating his compliment. For a moment Trix was sorely inclined to snub him; but policy forbade. When he left her, to seek Lady Blixworth, she felt rather relieved. Beaufort Chance had watched his opportunity, and came by again with an accidental air. She called to him and was all graciousness and apologies; she had every wish to keep the second string in working order. Beaufort had not sat there ten minutes before he was in his haste accusing Lady Blixworth of false insinuations--unless, indeed, Trix were an innocent instrument in Mrs. Bonfill's hands. Trix was looking the part very well. 'I wish you'd do me a great kindness,' he said presently. 'Come to dinner some day.' 'Oh, that's a very tolerable form of benevolence. Of course I will.' 'Wait a bit. I mean--to meet the Frickers.' 'Oh!' Meeting the Frickers seemed hardly an inducement.