"I should think it was," replied Tony cheerfully. "Let me introduce you to Isabel. This is Cousin Henry, Isabel. I'm sure you'll get along together splendidly." By a tremendous effort Henry managed to pull himself together. "You must forgive me," he said with a quite creditable bow to Isabel. "Tony took me so completely by surprise I scarcely knew what I was saying." He turned to Lady Jocelyn and Guy. "Why have I heard nothing about this?" he demanded. "We only heard about it ourselves ten minutes ago," replied Lady Jocelyn soothingly. "Tony always does things in that sort of way, you know." Henry's eyes travelled back to Isabel, and rested on her with admiration--not, however, untinged by a certain trace of doubt. "You must forgive me," he said again, "but at present I haven't even the pleasure of knowing your name." "Isabel," repeated Tony, "Isabel Francis. It's a nice name, isn't it?" To this inquiry Henry returned no answer. "Are you any relation of Sir George Francis of Laurence Weston?" he asked. Isabel shook her head. "I don't think so," she replied simply. "As a matter of fact," said Tony, "Isabel has no relations at all. That's one of her chief charms." "No relations at all!" exclaimed Henry in an aghast and incredulous voice. "Not one," said Tony firmly. "But you needn't worry about that, Henry. Our engagement has the warm approval of both Aunt Fanny and Guy." "That's quite right," said Lady Jocelyn, nodding her head. "I think Tony is a great deal luckier than he deserves." Henry turned to Guy. "And you too?" he demanded. Guy rose manfully to the occasion. "If I was in Tony's place," he declared, "I should be the proudest and happiest man in the world." With the air of one who has been unexpectedly torpedoed Henry abandoned the unequal contest. "In that case," he observed in a slightly dazed tone, "I can only offer you both my sincere congratulations." "I knew you would be pleased," said Tony. "You always wanted me to get married, didn't you?" "I hope," continued Henry, addressing himself to Isabel, "that before long we may have the pleasure of becoming better acquainted. Unfortunately I can't stay now, because I have an important political appointment at half-past twelve." "What a pity," remarked Lady Jocelyn. "I was just going to suggest that you should stay and lunch with us." "It's very kind of you," said Henry; "but I'm afraid my presence at the House is indispensable." He turned back to Tony. "You must bring Miss Francis round to see us as soon as possible," he added, "this afternoon if you can. I know that Laura will be intensely anxious to meet her." "I am sure of that," said Tony. "We are a bit full up, but we'll come along if we can. Anyhow, you will be able to let Laura know what a charming girl Isabel is."