"I'd love it," answered Molly regretfully, "but I'm afraid it can't be done. I have promised to go on and sing at one of Billy Higginson's evenings. He is the only composer in London who can write a tune." She paused. "What about to-morrow?" "To-morrow," said Tony, "is also a day." "Well, I am going out to lunch, but I do want to see you if you could manage it. Couldn't you run over in the car and look me up some time in the morning? I'll give you a small bottle of champagne if you will." "I don't want any bribing," said Tony with dignity. "Is it good champagne?" "Very good," said Molly. "It's what I keep for dramatic critics." "I think I might be able to come then. What is it you want to see me about?" "Oh, I'll tell you to-morrow," came back the answer. "I really mustn't stop now because Daisy Grey's waiting for me in her car. Thanks so much. It's awfully dear of you, Tony. Good-night." "Good-night," said Tony, and replacing the receiver upon its hook, he resumed his interrupted progress to bed. It was just after half-past ten the next morning, when Guy, while busily engaged in drawing up a lease in his office, was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Come in," he called out, and in answer to his summons, Tony, wearing a grey plush hat and motoring gloves, sauntered into the room. He looked round with an air of leisurely interest. "Good-morning, Guy," he said. "I like interrupting you at this time. I always feel I am throwing you out for the entire day." Guy laid down his pen. "It's a harmless delusion," he observed, "and if it gets you out of bed----" "Oh, that didn't get me out of bed. It was an appointment I have to keep." He walked across to the fireplace and helped himself to a cigarette from a box on the mantlepiece. "Are you feeling in a sympathetic mood this morning, Guy?" The latter shook his head. "Not particularly. Why?" Tony struck a match. "Well, it's like this. I have invited our cousin Isabel to come round and see me, and now I find myself unexpectedly compelled to go out. What's more I don't know how long it will be before I get back." He paused and looked at Guy with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Do you think I can trust you to be kind and gentle with her?" Guy adjusted his pince-nez and looked across at Tony with some sternness. "I have already told you, Tony," he said, "that I disapprove very strongly of this impossible escapade of yours. You don't know what trouble it may lead you into. For a man who wants to get into Parliament any kind of scandal is absolutely fatal." "But I don't want to go into Parliament," objected Tony. "I am doing it to oblige Henry, and for the good of the nation. As for this--what was the beautiful word you used, Guy--'escapade'--you surely wouldn't have me back out from motives of funk?"