But Beaufort Chance explained. On the one side Fricker was a very useful man to stand well with; he could put you into things--and take you out at the right time. Trix nodded sagely, though she knew nothing about such matters. On the other hand--Beaufort grew both diplomatic and confidential in manner--Fricker had little ambition outside his business, but Mrs. and Miss Fricker had enough and to spare--ambitions social for themselves, and, subsidiary thereunto, political for Fricker. 'Viola Blixworth has frightened Mrs. Bonfill,' he complained. 'Lady Glentorly talks about drawing the line, and all the rest of them are just as bad. Now if you'd come----' 'Me? What good should I do? The Frickers won't care about me.' 'Oh, yes, they will!' He did not lack adroitness in baiting the hook for her. 'They know you can do anything with Mrs. Bonfill; they know you're going to be very much in it. You won't be afraid of Viola Blixworth in a month or two! I shall please Fricker--you'll please the women. Now do come.' Trix's vanity was flattered. Was she already a woman of influence? Beaufort Chance had the other lure ready too. 'And I daresay you don't mind hearing of a good thing if it comes in your way?' he suggested carelessly. 'People with money to spare find Fricker worth knowing, and he's absolutely square.' 'Do you mean he'd make money for me?' asked Trix, trying to keep any note of eagerness out of her voice. 'He'd show you how to make it for yourself, anyhow.' Trix sat in meditative silence for a few moments. Presently she turned to him with a bright friendly smile. 'Oh, never mind all that! I'll come for your sake--to please you,' she said. Beaufort Chance was not quite sure that he believed her this time, but he looked as if he did--which serves just as well in social relations. He named a day, and Trix gaily accepted the appointment. There were few adventures, not many new things, that she was not ready for just now. The love of the world had laid hold of her.