"It's quite easy to get into difficulties by speculating, unless one has ample means. But I understood--" Bella checked him with a gesture. "Jim comes into money--we have a good allowance now--but it will be nearly two years before he gets possession. I want him to start fair when he may, perhaps, have learned a little sense, and not to find himself burdened with debts and associates he can't get rid of. At present, Batley's lending him money at exorbitant interest. I've pleaded, I've stormed and told him plain truths; but it isn't the least use." "I see. Why don't you take him away?" "He won't come. It would be worse if I left him." "Do you know why Gladwyne tolerates Batley?" "I don't." Bella looked up sharply. "What has that to do with it?" Lisle thought it had a bearing on the matter, as the lad would have seen less of Batley without Gladwyne's connivance. "Well," he countered, "what would you like me to do?" "It's difficult to answer. He's obstinate and resents advice. You might, however, talk to him when you have a chance; he's beginning to have a respect for your opinions." "That's gratifying," Lisle commented dryly. "He was inclined to patronize me at first." She spread out her hands. "You're too big to mind it! Tell him anything you can about disastrous mining ventures; but don't begin as if you meant to warn him--lead up to the subject casually." "I'm afraid I'm not very tactful," Lisle confessed. "He'll see what I'm after." "It's not very likely. Talk as if you considered him a man of experience. It's fortunate that you can be of help in this case, because I think some Canadian mining shares are to be the latest deal. From what Jim said it looks as if Batley was to give him some information about them on Wednesday, when Gladwyne and he are expected at Marple's. Can't you come? I understand you have been asked." "Yes," promised Lisle. "If I have an opportunity, I'll see what can be done." Bella rose and smiled at him. "We'll go back; I'm comforted already. You're not profuse, but one feels that you will keep a promise." They walked across the lawn, Bella now conversing in an animated strain about unimportant matters, though it did not occur to Lisle that this was for the benefit of the lookers-on. On approaching the tea-table, she adroitly secured possession of a chair which another lady who stood higher in her hostess's esteem was making for, and sitting down chatted cheerfully with Mrs. Gladwyne. Lisle was conscious of some amusement as he watched her. She was clever and her courage appealed to him; but presently he saw Millicent and strolled toward where she was standing. She spoke to him, but he thought she was not quite so gracious as she had been before he went away. CHAPTER XIV LISLE COMES TO THE RESCUE