'I think you'd better fit yourself up with a rich match, like Mrs. Trevalla. You'll be in the workhouse in three months.' 'I've been there before. Lots of friends always there, Airey!' Her nod and smile included him in the number with an affectionate recognition. 'And I don't know that Mrs. Trevalla is to be envied so particularly. I daresay it's very nice to be married in a cathedral, but it's not as inviting to be married to one--and it's what Lord Mervyn reminds me of.' She paused and then added, 'Trix isn't in love with him, of course.' Undoubtedly Airey Newton was glad to hear that, though with no joy which can rank above a dog-in-the-manger's. However, he made no comment on it. 'And who's in love with you?' he asked. 'Two or three men, Airey,' replied Peggy composedly--'besides Miles, I mean.' Miles's affection was composed, but public. 'Miles renewed his offer on hearing that I had come into money. He said that the circumstance freed his action from any offensive appearance of benevolence.' 'And you said no?' 'I never say no to Miles. I never can do anything but laugh. It would be just perfect if he didn't mean it.' In spite of her sympathy Peggy laughed again. 'I wish you were rich and were going to marry Trix Trevalla,' she resumed. 'She's very fond of you, you know, Airey.' 'Stuff!' growled Airey unceremoniously. 'Well, of course!' sighed Peggy, glancing round the room. A man may say 'Stuff!' and yet not be over-pleased to have it greeted with 'Of course!' Airey grumbled something into his pipe; Peggy smiled without hearing it. 'Well, I mean she'd never marry anybody who wasn't well-off,' she explained. 'She couldn't, you see; she's very extravagant. I'm sure she spends more than she's got. But that doesn't matter now.' 'And perhaps you needn't be very severe on it,' Airey suggested. 'You gave an enormous dinner,' Peggy retorted triumphantly. Airey began to walk about the room, giving an occasional and impatient tug at his beard. 'What's the matter?' asked Peggy, noting these signs of disturbance. 'Nothing,' said Airey, fretfully. 'You needn't talk as if I was a pauper,' he broke out the next moment. Here was something strange indeed. Never before had he resented any implied reference to his poverty; nay, he had rather seemed to welcome it; and in their little circle everybody took the thing as a matter of course. But Airey stood there looking resentful or at least ashamed, and greatly hurt anyhow. Peggy was terribly upset. She jumped up and ran to him, holding out her hands. 'How could I?' she cried. 'I had no idea---- Dear Airey, do forgive me! I never thought of hurting your feelings! How can you think that I or any of us mind a scrap whether you're rich or poor?' There were tears in her eyes, and she would not be refused a grasp of his hands. 'You thought I took it all--all you give me--and then sneered at you!' gasped Peggy. 'I'm comfortably off,' said Airey stiffly and obstinately.