"I know my cousin's mind, at least," he said. "Well, then, just tell me as between friends--there's no need we should quarrel because they have done so. Tell me this, is she going to get up a divorce case----" "A divorce----!" "Because," said Lady Mariamne, "she'll find it precious difficult to prove anything. I know she will. She may prove the flirting and so forth--but what's that? You can tell her from me, it wants somebody far better up to things than she is to prove anything. I warn her as a friend she'll not get much good by that move." "I am not aware," said John, "whether Mrs. Compton has made up her mind about the further steps----" "Then just you advise her not," cried Lady Mariamne. "It doesn't matter to me: I shall be none the worse whatever she does: but if you are her true friend you will advise her not. She might tell what she thinks, but that's no proof. Mr. Tatham, I know you have great influence with Nell." "Not in a matter like this," said John, with great gravity. "Of course she alone can be the judge." "What nonsense you talk, you men! Of course she is not the least the judge, and of course she will be guided by you." "You may be sure she shall have the best advice that I can give," John said with a bow. "You want me to go, I see," said Lady Mariamne; "you are dreadfully rude, standing up all the time to show me I had better go." Hereupon she recommenced her little _manège_, drawing on her glove, letting her bracelets drop again, fastening the fur round her throat. "Well, Mr. Tatham," she said, "I hope you mean to have the civility to see after my carriage. I can't go roaming about hailing it as if it were a hansom cab--in this queer place." CHAPTER XXVII.